Sit back, pick up a book – and enjoy the festival

CHESTER Literature Festival is back - and for the first time, it's blooming into life this spring.

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Produced by Storyhouse, the 2025 festival promises a vibrant and inspiring celebration of books, stories and poems.

With headline appearances from much-loved voices including Ruth Jones, Daisy Buchanan, and Reverend Richard Coles, the festival invites audiences to explore the power and joy of reading not just as entertainment, but as a vital tool for wellbeing.

A growing body of UK research highlights the real-world benefits of reading: just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, and 74% of adults report a positive impact on their mental health from regular reading. In a time when more people are seeking ways to unwind, feel connected and find space for reflection, Chester Literature Festival offers a timely reminder of how stories can support and sustain us.

At the heart of the festival is Storyhouse Library a welcoming, free-to-access space open from 8am to 11pm every day, designed to be used by everyone.