Book lovers of all ages are invited to celebrate the joy of reading at the Wyndham Park Book Club Festival 2026.

Organised by the Wyndham Park Book Club and supported by South Kesteven District Council, the free two-day festival takes please in Grantham on Friday and Saturday 25-26th September, from 10am-4pm at Wyndham Park Visitor centre.

There is no need to book ahead, and visitors can drop in throughout the weekend to enjoy a packed programme of author talks, Q&As, creative activities, displays, book swaps and more.

The festival will feature a range of speakers and activities across both days , with highlights including author presentations from Andy Wallis – whose book Who’s Wally tells the story of an adopted person – and Mark Whitney, author of No War Hero.

Visitors will also hear from the local historian, author, and chair of Grantham Civic Society, Dr John Manterfield, about his book, Newton’s Grantham: The Hall Book and Life in a Puritan Town- and meet specialists from Grantham-based Type & Forme, who will be speaking about rare and antique books and offer rare book valuations.

Dr Manterfield will also host a tour of St Wulfram’s Trigge Library, the first public reference library in England.

The weekend will feature creative crafts, including the chance for children to design their own book cover, while younger visitors can enjoy the Little Readers Book Club and storytelling.

A book trail will run throughout for youngsters aged three to 11, providing another way for families to enjoy the park and discover the joy of reading.

Cllr Paul Stokes, Deputy council leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Wyndham Park Book Festival will be a fantastic celebration of books, reading and our local community, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“It is wonderful to see Wyndham Park Book Club bringing together authors, book lovers, families and local organisations for another weekend of activities at the Visitor Centre.

“A big thank you goes out all the local organisations and authors taking part, along with our council officers and volunteers who help make events like this possible. Most of all, thank you to the Wyndham Park Book Club for all their hard work in organising what promises to be another brilliant festival.”

On Friday 25^th September, visitors can enjoy author presentations and Q&As with Andy Wallis and Dr John Manterfield, followed by an appearance from Mark Whitney. There will also be an opportunity to speak with Wyndham Park Book Club and other book club representatives and guest authors, Substack writer and book reviewer Polly Irvine, and hear from Type & Forme, rare and antique book specialists.

Saturday 26^th September includes another presentation from Andy Wallis, creative crafts, rare and antique book valuations from Type & Forme and Little Readers Book Club and storytelling. Polly Irvine will share her insight into spotting potential bestsellers, as well as her passion for reviewing books.

Anyone wishing to have a book considered for valuation should contact alison.lewis@southkesteven.gov.uk in advance, who will provide further information. The festival is free to attend and no booking is required. Children can take part in the book trail for 50p each, with everyone who completes it receiving a certificate, bookmark and sticker.