The Mannington Book Bash is a boutique literary festival in the heart of North Norfolk, curated by multi-award-winning independent bookshop, The Book Hive.
A rollicking weekend of unforgettable events with world-class writers, it has quickly become one of the UK’s most cherished literary gatherings — famous for its relaxed, intimate, inspiring atmosphere.
Set in the breathtaking gardens and historic grounds of Mannington Hall — complete with sweeping lawns, ancient trees and even a moat — this festival is an unbeatable Autumn celebration of stories, ideas and imagination.
Immerse yourself in a stellar line-up of writers, poets, historians, performers and thinkers against the backdrop of one of East Anglia’s most enchanting venues.
The Line Up!
Click a name to buy tickets for that event or scroll down for Weekend and Day Passes
Tickets
Every ticket grants you access to the grounds of Mannington
During normal estate opening hours.
The Schedule
FRIDAY
4:00pm: Jackie Morris
5:30pm: Sathnam Sanghera
7:30pm: Greg Doran
SATURDAY
10:00am: Nicholas Crane
12:00pm: Norman Lamb
2:00pm: Jacqueline Springer & Gus Casely-Hayford
4:00pm: Rory Clements
6:00pm: Delia Smith
SUNDAY
10:00am: Louisa Young
12:00pm: Jo Baring
2:00pm: Piers Blofeld
4:00pm: Rose Tremain
Back the Bash
Help us put on ‘Mini Mannington’
To increase the local impact of the Bash, we bring 400 primary school children to the festival for a morning of their own events. All for free — with absolutely no charge to the children, their families, or their schools. What’s more – in 2026 we are giving every child who comes to the festival a FREE book by the visiting author, who this year is the superb writer and illustrator Rob Biddulph!
To help us do this, we’re asking you to ‘Back the Bash’ with an optional donation of £2 with every ticket purchase. You can also donate a larger amount and become a full Mini-Bash Buddy, entitling you to some feel-good perks!
Everything you need to know!
Transport
Mannington is a very rural location! Driving or lift-sharing is highly recommended, as public transport is limited (nearest town: Aylsham).
Parking
Please only park in the main car park (clearly sign posted) and don’t drive down the private entrance by the hall. There are disabled parking bays positioned closer to the entrance to the grounds in the main car park.
Access
We aim to make the festival as inclusive as possible and there is level access to the majority of the site. Please contact us with any questions or queries around accessibility and we’ll be happy to help!
Food & Drink
Please don’t bring your own food and drink to the festival (except water). There'll be plenty of refreshment options from the cafe on site, and a selection of food and drink trucks catering to all dietary requirements.
Tickets
You must purchase your tickets in advance of the Bash. Please bring an image or print out of your ticket on the day. When you arrive at Mannington Hall, you'll enter the grounds, where you'll be asked to show your ticket.
tickets can be purchased on the day, but we cannot guarantee spaces.
Refunds: Tickets are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and non-refundable except as stated in our Terms & Conditions.
Age Suitability
Events are suitable for ages 12 and up, unless otherwise specified.
Dogs
Books
Yes, all the speakers will have books for sale in the festival bookshop! And yes, you can get your copies signed!
Gardens & Grounds
Every ticket grants you access to the grounds of Mannington (during their normal opening hours). Find out about the gardens, walks and wildlife on offer.
Accommodation
There are places to stay within the grounds of Mannington and the nearby Wolterton estate. In Reepham there is The Dial House; in Aylsham there are The Ironmongers and The Black Boys; in Holt there’s Byfords and The Feathers. There are also a number of Airbnb properties available a few minutes away from the Hall. For those who want the full ‘bash’ experience, there are a very limited number of camping pitches (from £20 per person) available on the grounds.
Clothing
The event tent will be heated and covered, but we highly recommend bringing layers (and something waterproof) to stay comfortable outside.
Toilets
There will be very nice 'posh portaloos' next to the event tent all weekend. You'll also be able to use the toilets in the cafe (these are wheelchair accessible).
Prefer to speak to us?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to give us a call 01263 493275 . We’re happy to help with any queries related to your booking.
Please note that we are not able to take bookings over the phone.