Event details
Available 19 and 20 September
Entry is included with a festival pass. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
Step into The Poetry Room, a welcoming, feel-good space where words come alive.
Whether you’re a lifelong poetry fan or are discovering the joy of verse for the first time, this is a place to drop in, unwind, and enjoy something a little different throughout the day.
Poetry is an important part of our literary culture and should be accessible to everyone. Listening to poems read aloud can be one of the most enjoyable experiences at a festival, offering moments of reflection, connection and pure entertainment.
What's on
Royal Literary Fund Reading Rounds
Limited capacity, please apply for tickets.
Across the weekend, visitors can take part in 'Reading Rounds' led by the Royal Literary Fund, exploring and discussing selected poems and short stories that will also be performed during the sessions.
The Reading Rounds are hosted by RLF fellows: Katharine McMahon, a historical fiction writer, Wren James, a young adult and children's fiction writer, and Testament, a poet and playwright. Spaces for these sessions are limited to 24 places per session, please apply in advance using the link above.
My life in poetry, with Larry Lamb
The tent will also host a special one-off event with actor and radio presenter, Larry Lamb (pictured below), who will discuss his life and childhood through the prism of poetry with Gyles Brandreth.
Dead Poet's Live
On Sunday, audiences can enjoy a lively performance from Dead Poets Live, with festival authors and guests bringing their favourite poems to life.
Featuring readings from Nussaibah Younis, Cecelia Ahern, Clare Balding, Louise Kennedy, Larry lamb, Gyles Brandreth, and Oliver Rowse.
The Poetry Room is kindly supported by the T.S Eliot Foundation.
Provisional Timetables
Saturday 19 September
Please apply for complimentary tickets to attend the Reading Rounds; spaces are limited to 24 per session.
Time | Session | Details |
Welcome by Richard Le Cocq of The Royal Literary Fund | ||
11.45am - 12.30pm | The Royal Literary Fund - Reading Rounds, Session 1 | Katharine McMahon and Wren James. |
1.45pm - 2.245pm | Larry Lamb in conversation with Gyles Brandreth | |
3.15pm - 4pm | The Royal Literary Fund - Reading Rounds, Session 2 | Katharine McMahon and Wren James. |
Sunday 20 September
Please apply for complimentary tickets to attend the Reading Rounds; spaces are limited to 24 per session.
Time | Session | Details |
11.45am - 12.30pm | The Royal Literary Fund - Reading Rounds, Session 1 | Katharine McMahon and Testament |
1pm - 2.30pm | Dead Poets Live: featuring live recitals from festival authors and special guests | 1pm: Welcome from Oliver Rowse |
3.15pm - 4pm | The Royal Literary Fund - Reading Rounds, Session 2 | Katharine McMahon and Testament |
Ticket information
Festival Pass - must be booked in advance
£25 per person
A festival pass includes entry to Chatsworth House, Garden, and Farmyard on the day of your visit, plus access to the Festival Hub.
In the Hub, you'll find The Writers' Room, The Poetry Room, Bookshop Signing Tents, and a Catering Village.
Festival passes include free parking for one vehicle per transaction.
Talk Tickets - must be booked in advance
£20 per talk (plus £25 for a festival pass)
The Festival offers the opportunity to hear from a range of world-class published authors and special guests.
To attend a talk, you must purchase a festival pass plus a ticket for each talk you wish to attend.
All talk tickets and festival passes must be booked in advance.
Festival Universal Credit Tickets
We want as many people as possible to experience Chatsworth and The Queen's Reading Room Festival.
Universal Credit Tickets are available for selected talks and entry to the Festival Hub.
Discover more...
The Queen's Reading Room Festival 2026
19 & 20 September 2026
A literary festival like no other, uniting literature enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the written word.
Lee Child and Special Guests
19 September 2026 - sorry, sold out
Reading and Rehabilitation
Four bestselling authors, Lee Child, Ken Follett, Kate Mosse, and Jojo Moyes, reunite to discuss the transformational power of literature and storytelling.
Separate ticketed evening event. No festival pass required.
The Queen's Reading Room Festival Afternoon Teas
19 & 20 September 2026
Add an elegant afternoon tea in the Old Duke's Glasshouse in the Chatsworth Garden to your Festival experience.
Please note: Please be aware that for technical, operational or safety reasons, some facilities may be removed or closed, or entertainment and event timetables cancelled and/or altered at any time, including at short notice. Chatsworth reserves the right to change the programme of attractions and entertainment if, at any time, it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so, this may also include closing attractions or areas of the estate. We apologise in advance for any disappointment caused should this need arise.
Timetables are provision and subject to change. Images show the 2025 event and are provided for illustration only.
