This year we’ve again teamed up with the rather splendid Orwell Lady River Trips. In May, ahead of the main festival in June,  you have the chance to immerse yourself in the picturesque Suffolk countryside. We are inviting you to journey along the River Orwell, one of England’s most beautiful and historic rivers.

Hop onboard from Ipswich Waterfront, sail gently along the river and hear from the writing partnership of journalists Nicci Gerrard and Sean French AKA Nicci French.

Focusing on their career, writing techniques and their latest book What Happened That Night (published February 2026).

Books will be available to purchase on board. There will be plenty of time to mingle, ask questions and to have your books signed too.

Ticket price includes delicious homemade scones served with fresh clotted cream and lashings of strawberry jam. Drinks can be purchased from the licensed bar on board.

The whole trip is 3 hours, leaving Ipswich at 2pm. Tickets are £44pp, available to purchase here.

Places are limited so early booking is advised. This special event in May is one of our Fringe Events ahead of the Felixstowe Book Festival which takes place this year from Friday 26th through to Sunday 28th June. A full list of authors joining us this year will be released soon. To be first in the know, sign up to our newsletter and follow us too on social media @FelixstoweBookFest