Friday 5th-Saturday 6th September 2025: Let’s restart the conversation, together.
After an unexpected pause last year, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Gladfest! Reimagined, renewed, and more personal than ever, this year we’re going small, but not quiet.
Taking place over the afternoon of Friday 5th and all day Saturday 6th September, Gladfest 2025 brings together beloved local voices, emerging talent, and passionate readers for an intimate weekend of stories and conversation. Think fireside musical performances, thoughtful events, and meaningful moments between writers and their audiences.
Here’s just some of what’s coming: Natasha Pulley is back with Dionysus, Dan Richards talks Overnights, Uju Asika asks how we can have better, more hopeful conversations, Sophie Haydock brings to life the women of twentieth-century art, and Danielle Giles takes us to 990AD….The latest events to be released include artist Edward Foster on The Art of the Sublime (Friday, 5.30-6.30pm).
Whether you’re a familiar face or a first-time visitor, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of words to connect and inspire. Spend the day with us here in Hawarden—enjoy free craft activities for all ages, and treat yourself to delicious, street-food-inspired dishes from our fantastic Food for Thought team, served throughout the day with no booking required.
For the full detailed programme and tickets, please click here. Tickets are available now – and to give a little something back to you, our lovely festival audience, we’ve frozen all tickets at 2023 prices, so just £15 per ticket!
Let’s restart the conversation, together.
Andrea
Revd Dr Andrea Russell
Warden of Gladstone’s Library