Guildford Book Festival was established in 1989 and in 2009 celebrated 20 years. It is 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 and poets from many different backgrounds and this year will be no different. Authors who have appeared at past Festivals include William Dalrymple, Richard Holmes, Maureen Lipman, Jeremy Paxman, Clive James, Gerald Scarfe, Fay Weldon, David Starkey, Sandi Toksvig, Terry Jones, Margaret Drabble, Wendy Cope, Jacqueline Wilson, Ray Mears, Mark Thomas, Michael Rosen, Barry Cryer, Rick Wakeman, Jenni Murray, Ian Rankin, Kate Mosse and Chris Patten.

Festival Patrons are Elizabeth Buchan, Michael Buerk, 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.