If you haven’t got your tickets for this year’s Wimbledon Bookfest, what are you waiting for? This annual celebration of all things literary, thought-provoking and fun, arrives on the Common on 3 October bringing more than 100 events over 10 days.
Literature
Bookfest kicks off with global bestselling writer, Joanne Harris MBE. The author of Chocolat talks about the novel’s long-awaited sequel The Strawberry Thief at Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon Library on 3 October at 7.30pm.
Other highlights for fiction fans include Booker Prize-winning novelist and poet Ben Okri. The author of The Famished Road discusses his two new books, The Freedom Artist and A Prayer for the Living.
There’s the chance to hear Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with A Pearl Earring. Tracy will talk about her new book, A Single Thread on 7 October.
Local author Michelle Paver will be discussing her compellingly creepy novel Wakenhyrst. And Christy Lefteri will talk about her acclaimed debut novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo, which weaves tales of loss, love and resilience against a backdrop of the Syrian refugee crisis.
And if you love crime writing, you won’t want to miss superstar author Patricia Cornwell, here to launch a new cybercrime series.
Politics
In the fevered political climate that we’re currently living through, there are plenty of sessions to get you thinking about world events; from Brexit to climate change.
Polemical LBC broadcaster, James O’Brien will unpick the issues of our time in conversation with Razia Iqbal on 4 October. And renowned political commentator Paul Mason asks how we can preserve our humanity in an age of uncertainty.
If you’re concerned about the environment, former model and journalist Dana Thomas talks to Lucy Siegle about how to tackle our next big challenge; fast fashion.
There’s also the chance to spend an evening with Sir Trevor Macdonald. Now in his eighties, this exceptional journalist and broadcaster has documented history in the making across the decades.
A range of other seasoned journalists and commentators will make an appearance too, including Emily Maitlis, Kamal Ahmed and Mariella Frostrup.
Kids
The festival is packed with big-name children’s writers including Dame Jaqueline Wilson, master storyteller and illustrator, Chris Riddell and Mr Gum author, Andy Stanton. There’s the chance to get to know everyone’s favourite Scandi creatures, The Moomins in a Polka Theatre puppet show too.
Sport
If sport is your thing don’t miss the chance to hear Sir Alastair Cook in conversation with Mike Atherton. You can hear England’s most successful batsman talk about his autobiography on 7 October.
Or mark the 2019 Rugby World Cup at an evening of chat (and plenty of laughs) with commentator Brian Moore and players Mark Evans and Ben Ryan.
Comedy
Talking of laughs, you can catch comedy genius, Harry Hill on 4 October. There’s also a comedy night on 12 October with four acts, headlined by BAFTA-nominated comedian Rachel Parris.
And finally …
To round off the festival join Great British Bake Off-winner, columnist, TV cook and all-round national treasure, Nadiya Hussain on 13 October.
For the full line up and to book tickets, visit the Bookfest website.
