BUDE Literary Festival organisers have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of positive festival feedback, and enthusiasm for it to continue into the future, after 4,885 people took part in 95 performances and workshops, at 25 community venues and schools, across Bude and Stratton.

National names and renowned authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Raynor Winn, Marcus Brigstocke, Petroc Trelawny, Chris Ryan, Emma Gannon and Tom Michell rubbed shoulders with local authors, artists and workshop leaders as the sun shone on festival-goers of all ages and interests throughout the packed programme of events over just five days.

Audience figures were up 30 per cent on the previous year which gives hope to the directors of Bude literary Festival, which was launched as a Community Interest Company last autumn, that the festival can further grow and develop.

The amazing team effort that underpinned the festival included the active and enthusiastic support of authors, agents, artists, publishers, Spencer Thorn Bookshop, media, volunteers, venues, schools, technicians, local interviewers, funders/sponsors photographers, caretakers, Bude Stratton Town Council staff, plus the kind support of patron and author of 'The Salt Path', Raynor Winn.

To welcome Raynor as patron of Bude Lit Fest she was presented with a picture and tea towel of The South West Coast Path kindly donated by Harry McConville and Bude T.I.C.

In an email after the festival Raynor said “Thank you for making us so welcome at the film and the gig. It was a really special day, thanks mainly to all the volunteers who made everything so easy. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to Harry, and I’m sorry, but I won’t be drying up with that tea towel - it’s far too lovely!! It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of Bude Literary Festival from the start. It’s a wonderful place and the festival has carried such a wide range of talent and opinion from day one, making it an absolute honour to be your patron.”

Author Paul Wreyford commented “Wow! What an amazing festival! It was off the scale fabulous!” whilst interviewer, Suzanne Hargreaves, enthused “The diversity of the talks, workshops, exhibitions and entertainments totally captured a huge and highly appreciative audience from far and wide. We particularly remember sitting at a local cafe and hearing the whoops and laughter of a coach load of children dancing to The Barrel Tappers on The Castle Lawn, while eagerly awaiting a theatre performance. Magic!”.

After her sell-out writing workshop, local author, Ellen Hawley said “The festival does seem to be growing, and the publicity must be working because local people I know were aware of it - as were two students from Plymouth who drove up for my workshop.” Meanwhile, Bude Library manager, Sally Travers-Clapp, said “It was brilliant. We were thrilled that the Library was included as a venue & ticket office and loved supporting you. All the feedback that I’ve heard has been hugely positive”

Martin Dorey M.B.E, author, summed up the feelings of many local people "My experiences of Bude Lit Fest 2025, as an interviewer, author and punter, have been entirely positive. This year I witnessed authors being welcomed into the community, making new friends and enjoying the culture of Bude that went far beyond talking about themselves and their work in an interview.

“That, really, was just the start. Bude Lit Fest brings our whole community together and showcases the way we do things here brilliantly." One member of the public commented on her feedback form - “There's an ease and an inclusivity to it. Long may it continue!”

The organisers sincerely thank everyone who was involved and warmly welcome Festival feedback from anyone who has thoughts to share. It can be sent via [email protected]