Surrey New Writers’ Festival (SNWF) has been hosted annually by the School of Arts Humanities and Creative Industries at the University of Surrey since 2013. It is a vibrant all-day celebration of contemporary writing, welcoming writers, readers and students from across London and the South East.

Previous writers we have featured include Monica Ali, Diana Evans, Julia Armfield, Megan Hunter, Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Neel Mukherjee, Inua Ellams, Michael Donkor Anna Metcalfe, Sarvat Hasin, Kit Fan and Emma Glass.

This year, we are proud to have Blue Bear Bookshop as our official bookseller with titles available for purchase on site.

This year's edition of the festival will take place between 11am-8pm, May 10th, 2025 at the Ivy Arts Centre at the University of Surrey.

We will be joined by the following authors (click each name for more info on their work.)

11am-11:50am innocence to experience: jenny mustard and Michael Amherst in conversation with Dr. Sharlene Teo

12pm-12:50pm writing in the family:Nell Hudson and Cressida Connolly

in conversation with Dr. Danielle Dove

1pm-1:50PM screenwriting masterclass with Kate Thorman

2pm-2:50pm mental health and identity in your novel: ela Lee and adelaide faith in conversation with nelita chaida estewale

3pm-3:50pm SPECULATIVE FICTIONS: Hanna Thomas Uose and Lara Williams

in conversation with Dr. Sharlene Teo

4pm-4:50pm life writing panel: Ralf Webb and Amy Key

in conversation with Dr. Beth Palmer

5pm-5:50pm writing across forms: Naomi Wood and Susannah Dickey

in conversation with Dr. Stephen Mooney

6PM-6:50pm Headliner keynote: daisy johnson

in Conversation with Dr. Sharlene Teo

7PM-8PM litsoc & SAHCI postgraduate showcase readings