Jersey Festival of Words 2026: 10 Days of Authors, Talks & Workshops
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The Jersey Festival of Words runs from 18 to 27 September 2026 across multiple St Helier venues including the Freedom Centre (23–26 September). 2026 features Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen, Chris Riddell, Mark Billingham and Peter James. 60+ events, over half free entry.
What is the Jersey Festival of Words?
Now in its second decade, the Jersey Festival of Words is the island's annual literary celebration — ten days of author talks, panel discussions, creative-writing workshops, school programmes and performances across central St Helier. Run by the Jersey Literary Festival Association (Jersey charity AJC552), the festival has built a national reputation as one of the most welcoming book festivals in the UK and Crown Dependencies.
2026 dates and venue
- Festival dates: 18 September – 27 September 2026 (10 days).
- Main festival venue: Freedom Centre, Saint Helier — events 23–26 September.
- Other venues: Jersey Library, Jersey Arts Centre, schools across the island, Jersey Museum.
- Programme: 60+ events; more than half are free.
- Tickets: jerseyfestivalofwords.org.
2026 line-up highlights
Three former UK Children's Laureates appear in 2026:
- Michael Morpurgo — Warhorse, Private Peaceful.
- Michael Rosen — We're Going on a Bear Hunt; Children's Laureate 2007-09.
- Chris Riddell — illustrator and political cartoonist; Laureate 2015-17.
Plus confirmed authors:
- Mark Billingham — Tom Thorne crime series.
- Peter James — Roy Grace series, 20+ million copies sold.
- Helen Rutter, Tom Vaughn, Kate Pankhurst, Sarah Underwood, Tia Fisher, Patrick Kane.
How to get to the Freedom Centre from Jersey Airport
The Freedom Centre is in central Saint Helier — 7.8 km from Jersey Airport (JER), about 12 minutes by taxi. Most St Helier hotels are within a 10-minute walk of all the major festival venues.
- JER → Freedom Centre / Saint Helier — £36 saloon (~12 min)
- Saint Brelade → Freedom Centre — £36 saloon (~15 min)
- Gorey → Freedom Centre — £48 saloon (~15 min)
Book your airport transfer at ohotaxis.com — fixed price, free meet-and-greet, free waiting time if your flight is late.
How to plan a festival trip
Most visitors target a Wednesday-to-Sunday window covering the busiest Freedom Centre programme (23-26 September). Book a St Helier hotel within walking distance — Pomme d'Or, Grand Jersey, Radisson Blu, Royal Yacht all sit within 10 minutes of the festival hub. The September weather is mild (avg 17°C) and dry — perfect for combining sessions with a coastal walk at Corbière Lighthouse or a half-day at Mont Orgueil Castle.
FAQs
When is the Jersey Festival of Words 2026?
18 to 27 September 2026, across multiple St Helier venues. The Freedom Centre hub runs 23-26 September.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Yes for ticketed sessions — the headliners (Morpurgo, Rosen, James) sell out 6–8 weeks ahead. Free sessions can be walk-up but arrive 30 min early for popular slots.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes — over a third of the programme is for school-age children, with dedicated days for Morpurgo, Rosen and Riddell.
Are there schools events?
Yes — the festival runs an extensive in-school programme. Information at jerseyfestivalofwords.org/for-schools.
Plan your trip
Book a fixed-price Jersey Airport (JER) to Freedom Centre / St Helier transfer at ohotaxis.com. £36 saloon, free meet-and-greet, child seats included.
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Fixed prices, free meet-and-greet, free child seats.