The Galle Literary Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 9, featuring an exciting lineup of literary talks, panel discussions, book signings, poetry readings, workshops, art exhibitions, and culinary experiences. Whether you are an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or a traveler looking for a cultural getaway, the GLF 2025 promises an immersive experience in the world of literature and arts.
Galle Literary Festival 2025 Dates and Venue
Dates: February 6 – February 9, 2025The festival is set against the backdrop of Galle Fort, a 17th-century Dutch colonial town, known for its cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and stunning coastal scenery. This picturesque location adds to the festival’s unique charm, making it a must-visit event for literature lovers and travelers alike.
Venue: Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
History and Significance of the Galle Literary Festival
The Galle Literary Festival, also known as the Fairway Galle Literary Festival, was founded in 2007 by Geoffrey Dobbs, a British hotelier and entrepreneur. Since its inception, the festival has evolved into a globally recognized literary event, drawing acclaimed writers, scholars, and artists from around the world.Over the years, the GLF has hosted Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and renowned literary figures such as:
- Sir Tom Stoppard
- Michael Morpurgo
- Shyam Selvadurai
- Romesh Gunesekera
- Julian Barnes
- Richard Dawkins
- Pico Iyer
- Shashi Tharoor
- Christina Lamb
- David Thompson
What to expect at the Galle Literary Festival?
The Galle Literary Festival 2025 promises four days of thought-provoking discussions, book readings, interactive sessions, and artistic performances.1. World-Class Authors and Intellectuals
Each year, the festival hosts an impressive lineup of authors, novelists, historians, and journalists. Previous speakers have included:
- William Dalrymple (historian and author of "The Anarchy")
- Germaine Greer (feminist author and academic)
- Simon Sebag Montefiore (historian and novelist)
- Anthony Beevor (military historian)
- Lesley Hazleton (biographer and political analyst)
2. Literary Talks, Panel Discussions, and Book Readings
The festival hosts engaging discussions on a variety of topics, including:- The Evolution of South Asian Literature
- Writing in Times of Crisis
- Women in Literature
- Climate Change and Storytelling
- The Power of Memoirs
3. Writing Workshops and Masterclasses
Aspiring writers can hone their craft through workshops led by established authors. Topics include:- Fiction and Non-Fiction Writing
- Travel Writing and Memoir Writing
- Poetry Composition
- The Art of Publishing
4. Guided Walks in the Festival
There are guided heritage walks as well as specialist walks to guide you through the wonders of the literary world. These walks are always one of the first events to sell out. You will be taken on a journey of the Fort walk which has been built by the famous architect, Channa Daswatte and the esteemed Mrs. Cader, whose family have lived in the Fort for over 100 years.
5. Explore the Local Sri Lankan Talent
The festival not only hosts many international artists and regional artists and journalists, along with local artists like Shyam Selvalduarai, Romesh Gunasekara, Nuri Vitachi, Ashok Ferrey, and Channa Daswatte.
6. Gain Cultural Perspective
7. Events for Children and Young Adults
The festival is not just for adults who are seeking some intellectual discussions and conversations, but also for the upcoming generation, where the local children participate in mind-boggling debates, which are being chaired by experts. So get ready for the next big thing!8. Culinary Experiences and Wine Tastings
The GLF 2025 will feature exclusive food and wine events, including:- Cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs
- Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine experiences
- Tea and wine tasting sessions
Where Does The Galle Literary Festival Take Place?
The Galle Literary Festival is usually held annually in January. You will find the program schedule with all the details of the different events taking place on each day at the official website, that is- www.galleliteraryfestival.com. The event usually begins from 9:00 am and goes on throughout the day.
There are many different things to explore throughout the program, which include exhibitions, workshops, dinners, films and much more going on throughout the festival aside from the talks. So make sure that you make the most of your experience and don’t miss out on anything.
The tickets are available usually a month before the event that is mostly in December at the website. However, make sure to check out for the events that are covered in the cost of the ticket and which are the events for which you need to incur an additional charge.
How to Buy Tickets for the Galle Literary Festival 2025
Tickets for the Galle Literary Festival are cashless and must be booked online in advance.Ticket Options
- Day Passes – Entry to all sessions for a single day
- Full Festival Pass – Access to all events for four days
- Workshop Passes – Tickets for limited-seat writing workshops
Where to Buy Tickets?
Tickets are available on the official website: https://galleliteraryfestival.com/tickets/Early booking is recommended, as many events sell out quickly.
Why You Should Attend the Galle Literary Festival 2025
- Meet world-renowned authors and thinkers.
- Engage in thought-provoking literary discussions.
- Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
- Experience Sri Lanka’s vibrant art, music, and culinary traditions.
- Enjoy exclusive wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences.
So go ahead and enjoy one of the most unique and memorable literary experiences with writing, reading, archaeological, ecological, philosophical, cultural, musical, artistic, and culinary activities all in a beautiful and unique setting.