Join us for this extraordinary event!
SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2026
HIGH STREET CLOSED: 08:00-17:30
BOOK FESTIVAL: 12:00-17:00
Celebrating books, reading and our local high street with a new, unique and magical event.
When local author John Tarrow wrote the first novels set in the town, he found Great Dunmow was missing one important retailer: a bookshop. So was born the idea of turning the whole town into a giant book store for a single day.
We're inviting Essex authors, independent bookshops, libraries and schools to be part of this event as we
establish Dunmow as the first Essex Book Town.
PART OF THE
Calling all readers!
SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2026
HIGH STREET CLOSED: 08:00-17:30
BOOK FESTIVAL: 12:00-17:00
This is your invitation to an unforgettable book event, embracing the magic of reading and community.
Have you ever felt the thrill of discovering a story that changes your perspective, or the joy of sharing your favourite book with someone who truly understands its magic? If so, the upcoming BookFest is your calling!
This year, we’re bringing together literary enthusiasts, authors, budding writers, and passionate readers for a celebration of stories. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or just beginning your reading adventure, there’s an author for you at our festival.
We will be publishing attendees mid-March. So please check back then!
Adult Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Children’s Fiction
Romance
Crime
Contemporary Fiction
Fantasy, Science Fiction
Thriller, Suspense & Mystery
Historical
Horror
Non-fiction in all genres
WHO'S INVOLVED?
JOHN TARROW
Author and creative director
When local author John Tarrow wrote the first novels set in the town, he found Great Dunmow was missing one important retailer: a bookshop. So was born the idea of turning the whole town into a giant book store for a single day.
“Essex is a county of deep history and fascinating stories, filled with writers and authors who tap into its unique sense of time and place. Great Dunmow was the perfect place for creating ‘Britain’s most extraordinary home’ and the setting for my young adult fantasy series. I’m looking forward to spilling a little of that Talliston magic into the town.”
CAROLE SULLIVAN
Town Mayor, Town Councillor and Author
Carole is currently Town Mayor of Dunmow, having moved into the area four years ago and working as Town Councillor since then. She is also a wellbeing author and co-founder of The Happy Ladder, a podcast investigating how to increase happiness and improve wellbeing.
“When two friends and I founded The Happy Ladder and wrote Life Balance, we set out to create something practical, a guide to living a happier, more content, and relaxed life. That same spirit of reflection and resilience runs through my work in Great Dunmow, where I serve as Town Councillor and Town Mayor, championing inclusive governance and community wellbeing.”
“Essex Book Festival is hugely excited to be involved in Great Dunmow BookFest. For a town without a bookshop, it is a fantastic idea to bring the community together through storytelling and books. And then, perhaps - you never know - a bookshop might be born in Great Dunmow. Wouldn't that be nice!”
ROS GREEN Director of Essex Book Festival
BOOK CATEGORIES
IMAGINATION
WHERE WILL YOUR
TAKE YOU?
As part of the Great Dunmow BookFest, John Tarrow is running a school-wide creative writing competition with the pupils of Helena Romanes.
DUNMOW'S MAGICAL DOORS
Talliston is a house full of magical doors leading to thirteen unique times and places – so when author John Tarrow was set to write a fantasy novel he decided to tell the story of a series of ordinary children who fall through doorways to many magical worlds.
So we thought it would be great for pupils to find a location in Great Dunmow that they think could lead to a magical world and write a short story about finding that and what lies beyond.
GREAT PRIZES!
We are offering one prize per year (11+) for one child and their guardian of a tour and afternoon lunch at the house and gardens + book bundle. There are also be runners-up prizes of books.
