The 27th International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival

The Thomas Hardy Conference & Festival is a prestigious biennial event organized by The Thomas Hardy Society in Dorchester during the last two weeks of July. The event is designed to celebrate the life and work of the Victorian poet and novelist. The 27th festival runs from Saturday, 25th July to 1st August 2026 and includes academic lectures, literary tours of Hardy's Wessex, entertaining performances and social events. Everyone is welcome. Enjoy morning lectures, coach tours, visits and walks every afternoon throughout Thomas Hardy Week. Trips are planned to Oxford, Sherborne, Portland, Wolfeton House, Weymouth, Lulworth Cove as well as Hardy's Cottage and Max Gate. Evening entertainment is varied, including music, dance and song from The New Hardy Players, The Hardy Annuals, Tim Laycock and Friends, James Graham, a promenade performance by Wey Valley Academy and of course, a Hardy Quiz. There is also much to offer the academic, non-academic and general Hardy enthusiast as part of the THS vibrant international community. For the Full Programme and how to Book, please visit the website