Stratford Literary Festival

Who we are

The Stratford Literary Festival was established in 2008 to bring authors and books-related events to the people of Stratford and the surrounding region. We became a charity in 2015 and our mission is to being the benefits of books and reading to people of all ages and backgrounds to encourage literacy, to increase life skills and life chances, and promote well-being.

Alongside a week of public ticketed events for all ages in spring and winter, we run a year-round community book group particularly aimed at people who find themselves lonely and isolated; workshops in prisons across the country helping prisoners write bedtime stories for their children to help lessen the trauma of separation for their families; literacy projects and author visits in schools to encourage children to read and enjoy books. We also run two nationwide competitions including a children’s picture book prize for an unpublished author/illustrator, and a young poets competition open to 5 to 21 year olds.

Over the years we have reached many thousands of people through creative programming and project planning, and earned ourselves a reputation for being a progressive and innovative Festival with a passion for the benefits of literacy at our heart.

Our culture and values

We believe you can change lives through books and reading - either to improve literacy and therefore life chances, or to help people communicate and bring them together through a shared love of books. We are a close knit supportive team, predominantly rmade up of women, and believe that people work better when they are happy and supported. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We believe in shared values and ensuring we nuture our staff and freelance staff. Everyone involved in the organisation strives to create a happy, open working environment. The majority of the team are women, but not exclusively. We embrace people of all backgrounds and beliefs.