Swindon’s much-loved Literature Festival is returning for its 32nd consecutive year.

Known as the Swindon Festival of Literature, this celebrated event kicks off on Monday and will run through to Sunday, spanning seven days of literary and artistic experiences.

The opening event of the festival, called the Dawn Chorus, traditionally marks the beginning of the week-long celebration.

The festival, held annually in the town, has now reached its 32nd edition—an impressive milestone.

Since its launch in 1994, the Swindon Festival of Literature has become a staple of the town’s cultural calendar. Even during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, it continued in a virtual format.

While literature remains the core focus, the festival also features elements of performance, music, and visual art, making it a diverse and engaging experience for attendees.

This year’s line-up includes several notable names such as renowned evolutionary biologist Professor Richard Dawkins, acclaimed poet George Szirtes, and popular impressionist Alistair McGowan.

The founder of the festival, Matt Holland, who continues to lead it, shared his excitement: “It’s unbelievable—when we started, we never imagined we’d reach 32 years. But here we are, and it’s wonderful.”

Throughout the week, a total of 31 events are scheduled. Some events are free to attend, while others require the purchase of tickets.

The first event on Monday is the much-anticipated Dawn Chorus, a free gathering at 5:30 a.m. BST held in Lawn Woods near Old Town. This event combines poetry, music, dance, and more, lasting over an hour.

Matt Holland describes the Dawn Chorus as one of the most inclusive and diverse events of the festival: “Of all the events, it brings together the widest variety of people.”

In addition to community events, the festival has a strong track record of attracting high-profile guests.

Professor Richard Dawkins will speak on Wednesday, sharing insights into science and life. That same day, George Szirtes, recipient of the King’s Gold Medal for Poetry, will also appear.

On Friday, the stage will be taken by well-known comedian Ivo Graham, followed by the versatile impressionist Alistair McGowan.

Besides these headliners, there are 26 other exciting events lined up throughout the week.

Matt Holland encourages everyone to take part: “I defy anyone not to find something they enjoy among the events.