Events

2025 was another remarkable year for us. Our 15th Annual Literary Festival took place from October 16th to 18th at several venues in our community. 

The Local Author’s Event at Brome Lake Books continues to be a popular warm up for the weekend while showcasing some of the exceptional talent from our own community.

Our opening evening, held at the Town of Brome Lake Community Centre, featured acclaimed travel writer Robin Esrock. Robin took us on an engaging and entertaining journey through his travels and adventures. As much as he entertained the crowd that evening, he truly shone earlier in the day when he visited the students of Massey Vanier.  His message of ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’ captivated the students and we had a hard time pulling him away. 

That morning as well, we were happy to welcome Montreal author Megan Durnford to Knowlton Academy, where she spoke with students about her latest children’s book.

Saturday’s events continued at the Community Centre with a diverse lineup. The morning session featured renowned botanist and author Diana Beresford-Kroeger, whose presentation was a true delight for nature enthusiasts.

The afternoon brought together an exceptional trio of women: Eliza Reid, Ausma Zehanat Khan, and former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin. Through lively conversations moderated by Louise Penny, Wendy Mesley, and Roger Williams, the afternoon proved to be one of the Festival’s highlights.

For the Festival closing, we decided to try something a little different and made a special investment in an unforgettable finale at the Lakeview Inn. We welcomed Sean McCann and his wife Andrea Aragon McCann, who spoke candidly about the memoir they co-authored on fame, family, and addiction, interwoven with Sean’s music. It was a moving and powerful conclusion to the Festival.

Community Support

The Knowlton Literary Festival would like to acknowledge the Ville de Lac Brome, the Knowlton Lion’s Club, Brome Lake Books, the Townshipper’s Association and the 2025 Event Sponsors: Brome Bird Care, Jessica Brown and Quilliams Electric, all of whom have contributed so generously to the Festival. 

Board Members, volunteers and Louise Penny

As always, the success of the Festival is made possible through the dedication and hard work of our board members and volunteers. Their commitment to bringing outstanding talent to our community and warmly welcoming audiences to each event is priceless.I would also like to extend a very special thank you to our Honorary Patron, Louise Penny, for her ongoing encouragement and support..

Lucy Hoblyn

President, Knowlton Literary Association