Stroud Book Festival has announced a new event featuring actor, writer and screenwriter Greg Wise, with tickets for the 2026 programme now on sale.
Wise will appear at the festival on Sunday 8 November to discuss Grief Talking: Tales of Loss and Learning, a new book due to be released at the beginning of November. He will be in conversation with Rachel Clarke, a Women’s Prize-winning non-fiction writer and palliative care doctor.
The festival says the book explores the different forms of grief people can experience, as well as how loss can change the way people understand their lives. Wise’s film and television credits include Sense and Sensibility and The Crown. He has also made documentaries about a rock-and-roll monk and tax evasion.
Festival update follows sold-out Maggie O’Farrell event
The announcement came in a festival news update published on 13 October 2026. It followed a sell-out appearance by author Maggie O’Farrell, who discussed her latest novel, Land, in conversation with Cathleen Mair.
According to the festival, the discussion covered O’Farrell’s research into 19th-century Ireland during the Great Hunger, including what it might have meant to survive that period and rebuild a life afterwards. The event also explored the history of mapping, Irish mythology and holy wells.
O’Farrell also discussed her interest in writing about families. The festival said Land has been optioned for screen by the production company behind the Academy Award-winning film Hamnet.
Stroud Arts Festival marks 80th birthday
The update also highlighted a special Stroud Arts Festival community event taking place on Saturday 17 October at St Laurence Church, from 6pm to 9pm.
The 80th Community Celebration is set to include a lighting installation by ShadowWorks, performances by the Stroud Scouts, the Acapellies and the Minpins, poetry by Anthony Burton and drama by Philip Douch. The organisers also promise further surprises.
Tickets for that event cost £8.50. Stroud Arts Festival’s wider programme marking its 80th birthday is continuing until the end of the year.
How to book Stroud Book Festival events
Tickets for the 2026 Stroud Book Festival events can be booked online through the Sub Rooms, by phone on 01453 796880, or in person at the Sub Rooms Box Office.
The box office is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. The festival says tickets for some events are being sold through other providers, so attendees should check the individual event information before booking.