Wow! What a fantastic and successful Sandgate Literary Festival 2026! This year saw the third SLF come to life with 10 amazing authors all of whom brought their audience a real insight into not only the world of writing and publishing but also an understanding of the creative ideas and backgrounds from which these writers find inspiration.

Our opening event with Ann Morgan gave an in-depth rethink on the global concept of writing, reading and understanding of a story. Her challenge, reading a book from every country within one year, was an amazing feat that showed the diversity of language and colour of the written word.

A real thought provoking talk.

Friday night’s Crime Panel, Charlie Gallagher, Lisa Cutts and David Whitehouse brought three very different writers of Britain’s favourite genre together to discuss their own styles from hard-hitting police crime fiction to cosy crime and true crime.

A genuinely fascinating delve into the dark landscape of criminals, their underworld and the investigative parallels where fact and fiction merge.  On Saturday, ‘The Patron’s Choice’ saw Lisa Jewell in conversation with best-selling author, Harriet Tyce. This informal interview gave a wonderful peek behind the scenes of Harriet’s own upbringing, her life as an author and her creative inspirations. Lisa’s ‘just chatting’ technique brought a personal vibe to the interview which was fun and informative. Well done ladies.

Passionate, personal and empowered are three words best to describe Malcolm Prince’s interview on Saturday evening. As Paul O’Grady’s biographer, producer and good friend, Malcolm brought a dearly missed national comedy legend back to life with stories, slides and images of his friendship with Paul. There were few who were not moved by the talk. Malcolm’s last ever event recounting his friend’s life was definitely one to remember.

Sunday’s authors though very different in their book subjects both spoke on people who have brought a sense of security, honour and determination to our country and its people. Katherine Carter’s compelling book, Churchill’s Citadel, conveys historic conversations between Winston Churchill and leading figures of the day that took place at Churchill’s home, Chartwell and Dominic Gregory whose book highlights the constant dangers of the Dungeness lifeboat crew who bravely volunteer their time to help anybody in trouble out at sea, rescue and recovery and ultimately saving lives. Both books are a must read for anyone.

Our hilariously funny interactive murder mystery dinner party, The Seagull Has Landed, was a sell-out success with two evenings full of laughter, confessions, clues and dodgy accents and as one guest put it, ‘Enough red herrings to fill a fish counter!’ Roll on next year’s MMDP but watch out – murder is the name of the game.

And for our younger readers, Horrible Histories very own co-author Neil Tonge put on a talk, slide show and activity filled couple of hours with lots of children and parents learning about life in and around Sandgate from Neanderthal man to the soldiers of World War One. A great treat.

The SLF Team would like to thank all the authors, Peter and co from The Masonic Hall, the wonderful ladies at St Paul’s Church, our sponsors, Lisa Jewell our wonderful patron and a host of other volunteers and helpers who gave up their time.

But most of all we would like to thank our members for supporting, purchasing tickets and attending the various events. Thank you everyone. Leigh, Vicky, Liz, Heidi, Ennelyn & Lizzie – the SLF Team.