Guildford Book Festival was established in 1989 and is now a key cultural event which captures the imagination of people of all ages, backgrounds and interests.

The Festival is staged annually across venues within the town over ten days in October and attracts high profile authors and discerning audiences.

Over the years Guildford Book Festival has played host to a diverse range of authors including Maureen Lipman, Virginia McKenna, Diana Quick, James Martin, Sarah Raven, Simon Brett, Kate Mosse, Chris Cleave, Frank Gardner, Neil Oliver, June Whitfield, Rick Wakeman, Roy Hudd, Joanne Harris, Deborah Bull, Jeremy Paxman, Martin Bell, Gerald Scarfe, Katharine Whitehorn,Victoria Hislop, Michael Frayn, Lionel Shriver, Ray Mears, Mark Thomas, Barry Cryer, Francine Stock, Laura Wilson, Jenni Murray, Richard Madeley, Val McDermid, Julian Clary, Michael Wood, Ron Moody, Jenny Éclair, Dan Cruickshank, Peter James, Adele Parks, Arthur Smith, Roger McGough and Kevin McCloud.

The Festival has a distinguished set of patrons - Elizabeth Buchan, Michael Buerk, Adele Parks, Michael Rosen, Sandi Toksvig, Fay Weldon, Timothy West and Jacqueline Wilson.

The Festival receives core funding from Guildford Borough Council and University of Surrey. It is also supported by a number of key local businesses.