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Thank you to everyone who joined us for Literary Leicester 2025. You can find out more about the programme in our festival archive and catch up on events that you've missed through .

Save the dates for Literary Leicester 2026, taking place 18 to 21 March 2026.

Upcoming events

How to Blow Up an Oil Rig

Tuesday 21 October 2025, 7.00pm

Festival director and novelist Harry Whitehead might tell you how to blow up an oil rig as he discusses the research that went into his new thriller, White Road.

Cama Sood Hara - Diwali Screening Event and Discussion with Director Haresh Sood

Thursday 30 October 2025, 8.00pm

To celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Media Stories presents a free screening and interview with the (Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduate) director of this documentary.

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The Festival of Media Stories

Friday 7 November 2025

Our sister festival offers a series of free film screenings, writing workshops, and an evening celebrating the winners of its various film prizes.

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Peter Sellers at 100

Friday 12 December 2025

In partnership with the Festival of Media Stories and Phoenix Arts Centre, we look back at the much loved actor’s life and career, 100 years after his birth. ‘The Peter Sellers Story’ documentary director Peter Lydon will screen his work, followed by a discussion with Sellers’ biographer, Roger Lewis.

Further details to follow in the Phoenix Arts Centre November-December brochure.

'Billy Waters is Dancing, or, How a Black Sailor Found Fame in Regency Britain'

Wednesday 18 February 2026

Author and academic Mary Shannon will give the Centre for Victorian Studies’ annual lecture following the publication of her most recent work, Billy Waters is Dancing, or, How a Black Sailor Found Fame in Regency Britain. More info to follow in early 2026.

Literary Leicester Festival

Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 March 2026

Details to be confirmed.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson

Wednesday 29 April 2026

One of the UK's most beloved children’s authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, will give the 2026 Annual Creative Writing Lecture in an event for children and adults. More info to follow in early 2026.