Photographer Lorentz Gullachsen is returning to Stratford Literary Festival this autumn, continuing his long-running Festival Faces photography project, which has captured more than 400 fascinating personalities since 2013.

Taking place from 29 October to 1 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon, the autumn festival brings together an exciting mix of authors, academics, artists, comedians and well-known personalities for four days of talks, workshops and literary inspiration.

For more than a decade, Gullachsen has set up his pop-up photography studio at the festival, creating a growing collection of portraits celebrating the people who bring the event to life.

This autumn, he’ll be photographing a wonderful variety of guests, including Celia Imrie, Si King, Matt Baker and Dr Xand van Tulleken, as well as revisiting familiar faces such as Greg James, whom he has photographed previously.

The Festival Faces collection now includes more than 400 portraits, creating a remarkable visual record of the festival and its guests. The work is being archived, with plans for a major exhibition in 2027 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Stratford Literary Festival.

Something for everyone at Stratford Literary Festival

Beyond the photography project, the festival offers a packed programme of fascinating conversations, inspiring speakers and creative workshops.

From celebrated novelists and historians to children’s authors and illustrators, there’s something to appeal to readers of all ages and interests. Visitors can also enjoy creative activities, including floral workshops, making the festival about much more than books alone.

Gullachsen‘s Festival Faces project adds another creative dimension to the event, capturing the personalities behind the stories and celebrating the extraordinary variety of people who take part.

Stratford Literary Festival runs from 29 October to 1 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Explore the festival programme, discover the Festival Faces project online and keep an eye out for news of the special anniversary exhibition coming in 2027.