Tracy Chevalier and Barbara Erskine to headline Felixstowe Book Festival

Why it matters: The festival, in its 13th year and running from 25-29 June 2025, brings together international literary talent at a historic Suffolk venue, featuring authors of worldwide recognition alongside local history experts.

The big picture: Tracy Chevalier, author of "Girl with a Pearl Earring", will discuss her Times Book of the Month "The Glassmaker" with festival patron Esther Freud. Best-selling fiction writer Barbara Erskine returns to the festival with "The Story Spinner", 12 years after appearing at the inaugural event.

The details:

• The festival will be held at Harvest House on Cobbold Road, Felixstowe
• Tickets go on sale Saturday, 5 April
• A special PD James event will feature exclusive audio archives presented by Mandy Morton and Nicola Upson

What they're saying: Festival founder Meg Reid said: "I'm so excited to begin to tell you about just some of the authors we've signed up to come and talk to our audiences."

Supported by local businesses: Local independent financial planners, Kingsfleet, are one of the main sponsors for the event. Speaking about the sponsorship, Managing Director Colin Low, said:

Of note: Author Paul French will present "Her Lotus Year", offering new perspectives on Wallis Simpson's time in China and her connections to Felixstowe, including her six-week stay at Beach House on Undercliff Road East and time at the festival's venue, Harvest House.

The bottom line: The book-loving volunteer-run festival continues to attract prestigious authors while maintaining strong local connections, with organisers welcoming new sponsors to join existing supporters Kingsfleet Wealth and Seaport Freight Services for the 2025 event.