WORDfest 2026 Events programme is here…
Noir at the Bar
Join us to hear five crime authors read excerpts of their work
We are delighted to bring Noir at the Bar back to The Old Punchbowl in the High Street as part of WORDfest Crawley.
Future Makers Writing Workshops
Join Theatre Centre for three FREE creative writing workshops for 14-21 year olds
WORDfest is delighted to partner with Theatre Centre to deliver three amazing writing workshops aimed at 14-21 year olds. We’re proud to work with some of the most exciting voices in contemporary theatre, and we believe their expertise will make these sessions truly inspiring for young people.
Folklore by the Fire
An evening of Sussex folklore retold by actors from Pitchy Breath Theatre around a campfire.
The WORDfest Quiz
The annual WORDfest quiz returns! Who will be the champions for 2026?
WORDfest Makaton Choir Rehearsal - part two
Join Maria as she teaches the Makaton signs for a performance as part of Crawley Sings!
After the resounding success of Crawley Sings! in 2025 we are repeating this wonderful event on Saturday 28th March 2026.
Go All In at Crawley Library
Join us for an exciting afternoon of creativity and inspiration for teens and young adults. Explore hands-on arts activities and hear from an amazing award-winning author. Don’t miss this chance to connect, create, and be inspired!
Mudlarking with Lara Maiklem
Listen to Lara talking about the items she has found on the foreshore of the River Thames.
Mother Tongue
Join us for a performance of language and dialect from a range of cultures.
The WORDfest Comedy Night!
Join WORDfest for our annual Comedy Night. A night full of laughter and fun with headliner act Russell Hicks.
My Brother’s A Genius by Theatre Centre
By Debris Stevenson
Poetry, music and movement unite in Debris Stevenson’s explosive new play about learning to fall, fail and find our own ways to fly.
Daisy and Luke are twins navigating life in a high-rise estate, where ambition and self-doubt collide. Both twins have labels thrust upon them: Daisy the “idiot” and Luke the “genius”. But will their bond and shared dream of flying launch them up together or crash them apart?
Crawley Sings!
Join us for a celebration of singing at the Bandstand in the Memorial Gardens in Crawley town centre. 9 adult choirs will take turns to sing and showcase their amazing choir, with a finale from the WORDfest Makaton Choir.
Crawley Forthwrite Festival
A literature festival celebrating women writers over 50, headlined by Monique Roffey.
Book Club with Claire Chambers
Join Book Club as we interview Clare Chambers author of Shy Creatures and Small Pleasures
Future Makers Writing Workshops
Join Theatre Centre for three FREE creative writing workshops for 14-21 year olds
WORDfest is delighted to partner with Theatre Centre to deliver three amazing writing workshops aimed at 14-21 year olds. We’re proud to work with some of the most exciting voices in contemporary theatre, and we believe their expertise will make these sessions truly inspiring for young people.
The Family Day
Our annual Family Day returns on Saturday 7th March from 10am at Crawley Library. It's always a brilliant day of fun and laughter for children aged 3 - 12 years old. Below are all the details of the authors and illustrators you will get the opportunity to meet and be inspired by! We have something for everyone, including those with additional needs with our sensory space, Signed Stories and Story Magic session.
We will also have Ginger Moo delivering a fantastic drop-in art table in the children's library, two book trails and the very lovely The Book Nook selling books of the authors and illustrators who will be present on the day.
This is a day not to be missed!
Future Makers Writing Workshops
Join Theatre Centre for three FREE creative writing workshops for 14-21 year olds
WORDfest is delighted to partner with Theatre Centre to deliver three amazing writing workshops aimed at 14-21 year olds. We’re proud to work with some of the most exciting voices in contemporary theatre, and we believe their expertise will make these sessions truly inspiring for young people.