Independent guide to Fowey’s du Maurier Festival: how it began, what happens, and confirmed dates for the next festival in May 2026.
The du Maurier Festival (also widely known as the du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival and linked with the wider Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature) is one of the south coast’s best-known cultural fixtures. It brings author talks, interviews, performances, exhibitions and community events to the harbour town of Fowey each spring.
What the Du Maurier Festival Is
At its core, the festival is a town-wide programme of arts and literature: book events, conversations with writers, themed walks, music nights, and creative workshops. Events are typically staged across multiple venues in Fowey, so the experience is as much about spending time in the town as it is about attending individual sessions.
The event is organised by the du Maurier Festival Society and is widely described as one of Cornwall’s leading literary festivals. Read the festival listing and overview on Fowey’s local visitor information site.
Why Fowey and Daphne du Maurier Are Linked
Fowey has long been associated with writing and the arts, but the modern festival identity is strongly shaped by Daphne du Maurier, whose work helped cement Cornwall’s place in the popular imagination. Du Maurier lived nearby and drew on Cornish settings and atmosphere in novels and stories that remain widely read today.
If you want background on her life and Cornwall connections from a specialist organisation, the Daphne du Maurier Society is a useful starting point.
Festival History
The festival’s roots go back to 1997, when the first Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature was launched in Fowey. Over time, the programme broadened and evolved, but du Maurier’s influence has remained a central theme in the town’s annual celebration of writing and the arts. This du Maurier reference page summarises the festival background and notes the 1997 launch.
Across different years the festival has also appeared under closely related names (including “Fowey Festival of Words and Music” in some editions), reflecting a programme that can encompass words, music, performance and visual art alongside the literary schedule. The University of Exeter news archive provides an example of how the festival name and format have evolved.
What Happens at the Festival
Programmes vary year to year, but visitors can usually expect a mix of:
- Author talks and interviews (often with Q&A)
- Panel discussions on books, ideas, and current topics
- Readings and performance events blending literature with music or theatre
- Workshops for writing and creative practice
- Exhibitions and trails connected to the arts programme
Because venues are spread around town, it’s worth planning the practicalities: steep streets, limited parking, and busy accommodation during festival week. The official site’s visitor information pages are the best place for accessibility notes and venue guidance. See the official “Plan your visit” guidance.
Confirmed Dates for the Next Du Maurier Festival
The next du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival is scheduled for 1st to 9th May 2026. The official festival website lists the 2026 festival dates.
In practice, the programme is usually spread across the full run with daytime talks and evening events, so visitors often plan either:
- A long weekend (arriving Friday and leaving Monday), or
- A midweek stay for a quieter feel with more choice on some sessions
Competitions and Extra Dates to Know
Alongside the main festival programme, competitions are often run for writers (including young writers and artists). These can have separate deadlines and announcements in the run-up to May. For 2026, published key dates for the young writers and artists competition include a closing date of 1 April 2026 and an awards event date shown as 9 May 2026 (to be confirmed). Cornwall Council’s information page lists the 2026 competition key dates.
Tips for Visiting
- Book early for May: accommodation and popular sessions can fill quickly.
- Expect hills and steps: Fowey’s streets are steep, so factor in walking time between venues.
- Travel planning matters: parking is limited in the centre; consider public transport options if you can.
- Build in free time: the town is part of the appeal, and it’s easy to over-schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the du Maurier Festival in Fowey?
It’s a multi-day arts and literature festival held across venues in Fowey, with author talks, discussions, performances and creative events, inspired in part by the town’s association with Daphne du Maurier.
When is the next du Maurier Festival?
The next festival is scheduled for 1st to 9th May 2026.
Is the festival only about Daphne du Maurier?
No. Du Maurier is an important influence, but the programme is broader, covering contemporary writing, culture, music and arts events.
Where do events take place?
Events are spread across multiple venues in Fowey, typically including community buildings and church venues, so you’ll usually walk between sessions.
Are there writing competitions connected to the festival?
Yes. Competitions are often run alongside the festival, including categories for young writers and artists, with separate entry deadlines ahead of May.