Meet our patrons
Our patrons, their love of literature and the power of reading
Our patrons are the beating heart of the Eastbourne Literary Festival — writers, thinkers and champions of stories in all their forms.
We are honoured to be supported by Chris Hill, Josh Babarinde OBE MP, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and Lucy Mangan - four voices of imagination, integrity and insight. Together, they represent the power of society and literature to entertain, challenge, improve, comfort and connect.
Their generosity of spirit and belief in the written word help us celebrate reading across generations — from children discovering their first favourite book to lifelong readers finding new stories to love.
With their support, Eastbourne Literary Festival stands not just as an event, but as a shared commitment to creativity, curiosity and community.
Dame Jacqueline Wilson
PatronBeloved by generations of readers, Dame Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most treasured storytellers. Her warm, honest and deeply empathetic books have given voice to children navigating real-life challenges with courage and humour.
A former Children’s Laureate and one of Britain’s bestselling authors, she has inspired millions to discover the joy of reading — and the reassurance that they are not alone.
Jacqueline says: ‘I’m so pleased and proud to be patron of the new exciting Eastbourne Literary Festival. It’s going to be impeccably organised and highly imaginative. Put the date in your diary!’
Christopher William Hill
PatronChristopher is an award-winning playwright, radio dramatist and children’s author whose work brings warmth, wit and emotional depth to audiences of all ages.
With a gift for capturing the nuances of everyday life and the imaginative worlds of young readers, his storytelling celebrates both the power of language and the shared human experiences that connect us. Christopher says, ‘I'm absolutely thrilled to be a patron of the Eastbourne Literary Festival and to help champion the importance of storytelling in a town with such strong literary connections.’
Josh Barbarinde OBE
PatronJosh Babarinde OBE is the Member of Parliament for Eastbourne and a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment, and describes it as an honour to support the inaugural festival. ‘It’s fantastic to see our town leading the way on literacy, especially during the National Year of Reading. I'm determined for people of all ages to experience the joy of reading and the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book.’
Before entering parliament, Josh founded a youth employment social enterprise supporting young people facing barriers to opportunity. His work reflects a deep belief in the power of storytelling, representation and education to transform lives — values at the very heart of Eastbourne LitFest.
Image courtesy of Stylist Magazine
Lucy Mangan
PatronLucy Mangan is a celebrated author and journalist known for her sharp wit, deep literary knowledge and infectious love of reading. She says, ‘reading and writing have shaped my life from childhood’.
A long time champion of books and culture, she brings insight, humour and generosity to her work. ‘I love the way literary festivals bring the private and shared joy of books into the open.’ With Lucy’s help, we’re aiming to inspire readers of all ages to rediscover the pleasure and power of stories.
Her passion makes her a natural and beloved patron of the Eastbourne Literary Festival. ‘I’m delighted to be patron of Eastbourne LitFest as it launches, and to support an event that celebrates the reading community and the pleasure of the written word.’