Torbay Literary Festival Christmas Books Weekend

The Torbay Literary Festival returns to The Assembly Rooms at Torquay Town Hall from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November for its Christmas Books Weekend. It's the second outing of the year for festival director Ben Tisdall, following the first full weeklong edition held 9-15 August at The Palace Theatre in Paignton, which is set to return to the same venue in August 2027.

Friday opens with Debbie McGee talking about her memoir A Magical Life from 14:30 to 16:30, and Rachaele Hambleton with An Evening with Part-Time Working Mummy from 19:30 to 21:30. Saturday morning sees Caroline Quentin on Drawn to Nature (11:00-13:00), followed by broadcasters Jeremy Vine and Iain Dale in In Conversation (Remembering Ann Widdecombe), hosted by Andrew Pierce (14:30-16:30), and Kathy Lette and Ruby Wax with Girls Night Out (19:30-21:30). Sunday brings Louis de Bernieres In Conversation (11:00-12:45), and two sessions running at the same time from 14:30 to 16:30: Martin Roberts on My Life in Books and Hunter Davies on The Beatles, Me and Everyone Else. Every session includes a book signing.

The line-up runs from debut memoirs and Sunday Times bestsellers to a tribute to the late Ann Widdecombe, with Vine, Dale and Pierce sharing memories of her, and a talk by Hunter Davies, the only authorised biographer of the Beatles. Local caterers Dood and Frink provide the food and drink on site.

Tickets for Debbie McGee are £15-£25; Rachaele Hambleton £6-£25; Caroline Quentin £15/£19/£25 plus booking fee; Jeremy Vine and Iain Dale £15/£19/£25 plus booking fee; Kathy Lette and Ruby Wax £15/£19/£25 plus booking fee; Louis de Bernieres £5-£14; and Martin Roberts £8-£20 plus booking fee.