any Questions?

When is Herts Book Festival?

The festival runs annually in May. In 2026, it will be held on Saturday 16th May and Sunday 17th May.

Let us help.

Where is Herts Book Festival?

On Saturday 16th May 2026, the festival will be at BEAM in Hertford.

On Sunday 17th May 2026, the festival will be at Southern Maltings in Ware.

How much does the festival cost to attend?

Our Author Market, Book Exchange, and most of our workshops and events are FREE to attend and join in.

ALL of our children's events are FREE to attend too. We recommend you book your tickets in advance to guarantee your space.

A few events have a nominal charge to cover costs. (Please refer to event listings on our HOME page.)

How do I book tickets?

We recommend you book your tickets to our scheduled events and workshops in advance.

Click the event link to book tickets for Hertford events via BEAM's website and for Ware events via Southern Maltings website.

There's no need to book for our Author Market, Book Exchange or Baby Rhyme Time sessions. Just turn up on the day!

Is Herts Book Festival family friendly?

Absolutely! Books are for everyone. We are 'going all in' and aim to have authors and events reflecting all genres, ages and stages.

Many of our workshops are tailored especially for children including Maria Oliver's Storybook Yoga, Tiny T's Storytelling, local library events, Elena Mannion's nature craft session, Helen Rose's writing workshop, Polly Owen's worm workshop, and not forgetting the chance to meet and have your books signed by Alice Hemmings, Garry Parsons and many of our authors in our Author Market!

Can I travel to the festival on public transport?

Hertford has two mainline train stations, Hertford North and Hertford East. Trains travel directly from London and Stevenage.

Ware also has a train station with direct trains to and from London.

Local buses and taxis frequently operate between Hertford and Ware.

Is there car parking onsite?

We can't reserve onsite parking. Local pay and display parking is available adjacent to BEAM at St Andrew's Street Carpark and adjacent to Southern Maltings at Kibes lane Carpark.

Alternative parking can be found locally in the town centre carparks.

Can I volunteer?

Of course! The festival team is entirely voluntary. We welcome and rely on volunteers to help during the festival.

Please contact us on social media or send us an email.

How can I stay updated?

Join our mailing list. Enter your email address into the form below to receive updates about Herts Book festival straight to your inbox.

If you're on social media, please reach out and say hi. @hertsbookfestival