Wells Festival of Literature has announced a special event for Friends of the Festival, with author and producer Jayne Chard due to speak at Cedars Hall on Thursday, 9 July.

The event comes ahead of this year's Wells Festival of Literature, which is due to run from 16 to 24 October 2026.

Organisers say Jayne Chard will reflect on her career across theatre, television and fiction, offering an insight into storytelling across different media. She is an award-winning former director and producer whose credits include the BBC drama Silent Witness.

The talk will also look at her move into novel writing and the development of her cosy crime series. Her latest novel, The Body that Floats, follows retired headteacher Julia and her half-sister Frankie as they investigate a suspicious death in the Cornish village of Portscatho.

Festival organisers said the evening would offer Friends "an engaging talk" combining entertainment industry experience with an exploration of contemporary crime writing.

Chard's first novel, More than Murder, was a finalist in the 2025 Page Turner Book Awards. Her second book in the series is due to be published in May.

The Wells Festival of Literature Friends scheme gives members access to priority booking a full week before general sale, discounted tickets at £10 instead of the standard £12.50, brochure mailings and invitations to exclusive events.

Single membership is priced at £30, with joint membership available for £50. The current Friends membership runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.

advertisement

Festival organisers are encouraging anyone interested in attending the July event to become a Friend if they are not already a member.

More local stories

• Wells business seeks licence for music and alcohol venue
• Wells May Charter Fair to mark double milestone

Subscribe to the free Wells Nub News newsletter Get the biggest Wells stories straight to your inbox.