Book Festival Guide for Autumn 2023

Fill up your autumn schedule with these busy book festivals taking place all around south west London and Surrey. Meet your favourite authors, listen in on thought-provoking discussions, and have some good old-fashioned family fun. Read on to discover what’s on at this year’s events.

Barnes BookFest 2023

22-24 September

With headliners like Anita Rani, Sir Anthony Seldon, Sir Trevor Phillips and Sir Tom Courtenay, this year’s Barnes BookFest is one to mark in the calendar. Taking place across multiple venues, including Olympic Studios, Barnes Green Centre and St Mary’s, the festival offers an eclectic range of sights and events. From industry giants to debut novelists like Jacqueline Crooks and Priscilla Morris, you can sit in on thought-provoking conversations on culture, identity and politics – and don’t forget the Rugby World Cup. Speakers range from Sam Delaney and Irvine Welsh on the subject of men’s mental health to Helen Czerski and Tracy Edwards on the science and power of the ocean. There is so much to learn at this growing festival, with a backdrop of Barnes’ gorgeous riverside sights.

To learn more and book tickets, click here: https://barnesbookfest.org/

Guildford Book Festival 2023

1-17 October

The popular festival kicks off its 34^th year with the return of its successful History Day at the gorgeous West Horsley Place. Learn all about 20^th century history from speakers like Alison Weir, Tracy Borman, Simon Heffer and Martin Williams. Sunday Times bestseller Kate Mosse returns to festival season to discuss her new novel, The Ghost Ship, a feminist historical epic set on the high seas, and Dan Jones debuts Wolves of Winter, the highly-anticipated sequel to Essex Dogs. This year’s Reader’s Day also  features bestsellers like Elizabeth Noble, as well as debut authors like Georgina Moore. Highlights include Carrie Dunn discussing women’s football and Tim Marshall on power and politics. There’s something for the children at Hatchlands Park, where Moira Butterfield hosts a special event inspired by her book, Look What I Found in the Woods and Rob Biddulph chats about the final book in his hilarious Peanut Jones series. This festival is an ideal family event, with talks to interest everyone.

To learn more and book tickets, click here: http://www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk/

Wimbledon BookFest 2023

12 – 22 October

London’s leading arts and culture festival returns with 10 packed days of inspiring and entertaining events. With a stellar line up of speakers like Mikaela Loach, Clive Myrie, Ben Okri, Steve Backshall and many more, this year’s Wimbledon BookFest is a must-see for culture enthusiasts. Former Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell features at the schools programme alongside Stephen Mulhern and Sathnam Sanghera, with more family events to be announced in the coming weeks. This year, the festival welcomes a new Patron, famous Wimbledon resident Great Uncle Bulgaria of the Wombles. Long-time environmental champions, the Wombles celebrate their 50^th anniversary at the festival with new books and a special programme of events. Taking place across the borough at venues like Wimbledon Library and New Wimbledon Theatre, the festival is a celebration of the area and its community as much as it is a celebration of the arts.

To learn more and book tickets, click here: https://www.wimbledonbookfest.org/

Clapham Book Festival 2023

14 – 22 October

This year we are delighted to partner with Clapham Book Festival, working with them to spread literary joy. Clapham’s returning festival retains its quirky and singular flair, taking place at the award-winning independent Omnibus Theatre. Melvyn Bragg headlines in conversation with Tom Sutcliffe to discuss his life and writing. Kate Mosse appears again, discussing her new novel with local author Elizabeth Buchan. The festival’s Showcase Day boasts a range of panels, from bestsellers to crime authors and brand new talent – there is something for everyone at this busy event. Meet-and-greets and book signings at local independent Clapham Books ensure an entertaining and fun-filled few days: you can chat with your favourite authors and ask your own burning questions. The final day of the festival holds a guided literary walk through Clapham with local author Julie Anderson – take a walk through Clapham’s literary history and watch as it comes alive.

To learn more and book tickets, click here: https://claphambookfestival.com/

Find out more about Clapham Book Festival

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