May in Stratford-upon-Avon brings with it the welcome return of one of the UK’s most established and respected literary gatherings. Now in its 19th year, the Stratford Literary Festival returns for its Spring season from 7 to 10 May, once again transforming the famous town into a hub of ideas, storytelling and conversation.

The festival brings together an impressive and diverse programme of speakers, workshops and events. This season’s line-up includes the likes of Mark Kermode, James Holland, Nicholas Crane, Richard Coles, Philippa Perry, and Prue Leith, offering audiences the opportunity to hear from some of Britain’s most engaging voices across literature, history, psychology, food and culture.

Alongside the headline talks, the festival continues to champion accessibility and creativity, with a strong programme of children’s events and hands-on workshops across a variety of disciplines. It is this balance, between high-profile speakers and inclusive, interactive experiences, that has helped cement its place as one of Britain’s major literary festivals.

∙ BOOK TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL HERE ∙

Festival Faces by Lorentz Gullachsen

Yet beyond the talks and ideas, there is another layer to the festival that captures something more personal and enduring. Running alongside the programme is Festival Faces, an ongoing portrait project by photographer Lorentz Gullachsen. Throughout the festival, Gullachsen operates a pop-up studio on-site, inviting speakers, participants and visitors to step in front of the lens.

The result is a growing collection of striking, honest portraits that document not just the speakers, but the wider community that brings the festival to life. Each image is a moment of connection, a visual record of the people behind the words, the ideas and the conversations. The evolving archive can be explored through the dedicated Festival Faces platform, offering a unique perspective on the festival year after year.

∙ SEE LORENTZ GULLACHSEN’S FESTIVAL FACES HERE ∙

Together, the Stratford Literary Festival and Festival Faces create something more than a programme of events. They form a living, breathing snapshot of contemporary culture, where storytelling extends beyond the stage and into the faces of those who take part.

For visitors, it is an opportunity not only to listen and learn, but to feel part of something. A gathering of minds, a celebration of creativity, and a reminder that behind every great story, there are people worth meeting.