Thomas Hardy Week 2026

The 27th International Thomas Hardy Festival and Conference will attract literature enthusiasts from across the globe from 25th July to 1st August 2026. This week-long event offers an extensive celebration of Thomas Hardy, the renowned Victorian novelist and poet.

Delegates will enjoy morning lectures by keynote speakers at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester, with panel sessions afterwards to provide academics and scholars the opportunity to present their current research. The event includes workshops on poetry, creative writing and how to use the Hardy Archive for research. There are also forums to share ideas, discuss Hardy’s work and mix with peers and established scholars. The conference facilitates networking, scholarly discussion and collaboration, helping early-career researchers develop their work and for participants to engage more fully with the wider Hardy studies community. There is also much to offer the non-academic and general Hardy enthusiast, and a warm welcome will be given to all, as part of the vibrant THS international community.

After the academic lectures, there will be Hardy-themed activities and entertainment each day, which can be booked separately. Coach tours, visits and walks are on offer every afternoon with trips 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.

Although priority booking is given to Conference ticket holders, tickets for activities and entertainment will become available to THS members from 2nd June 2026 and non-members from 9th June 2026 (subject to availability). Grateful thanks are given to Grassby Funeral Services and Dorchester BID who are sponsoring the event.

The aim of the Thomas Hardy Society is to promote the great author’s work for both education and enjoyment to scholars, students, general enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in Thomas Hardy and the Wessex countryside.

To Join and Receive Discounted Tickets, please visit the website

For more information on the conference and how to book tickets, please click on the link below: