Charleston Festival 2026

About

For 37 years, Charleston Festival has been a home for bold ideas and boundary-pushing art.  This year's lineup brings audiences together with the creative trailblazers shaping our ever-changing world.

From thrilling conversaitons and hard-hitting debates to magical family events and hands-on workshops, the 2026 programme spans literature, politics, art, history and everything in between. 

This spring, enjoy two weeks bursting with live conversations, electrifying performances, family fun and hands-on creative workshops.   Speakers include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe; Sandi Toksvig; Philippa Perry, Rose JonesReni Eddo-Lodge, Olly Alexander, Susanna Clarke, Rose Wylie, Ocean Vuong, Sheku Kanney-Mason, Kae Tempest, Irvine Welsh, Michael Heseltine, Tony Robinson, Jennifer Saunders, Paris Lees, Jung Chang and many more. 

Charleston Festival takes place in the grounds of Charleston in Firle, where you can take a stroll through the walled garden or picnic by the pond.  Include a visit to the house or spring exhibitions as part of your festival experience, visit the popular shop or enjoy a walk or cycle from Charleston's beautiful South Downs setting.  

A shuttle bus will run between Lewes Station and Charleston throughout the festival.  Visitors arriving by shuttle bus are eligible for the 'green traveller' concession.