We’re delighted to announce the full programme for the 2012 Chiswick Book Festival, which is set out below.
Tickets are now on sale, via the Tickets page. Book now
Please note that the Clare Balding event is now sold out, and the Children’s Book Festival is fully booked, as is the Disney Junior poetry workshop. There are still places in all the other sessions, including three other children’s events – Cressida Cowell, Chris White and Andy Briggs.
Admission is by Saturday or Sunday Day Pass – £5 per day – excluding:
- Michael Palin at Chiswick House – £10
- Cressida Cowell – £3
- A.N. Wilson, Clare Balding and Antony Beevor – £5
Michael Palin will speak at a special pre-Festival event in the splendour of Chiswick House and Gardens. The 2012 Festival will be officially opened by children’s author Cressida Cowell on Friday afternoon, followed by the keynote event with novelist and journalist A. N. Wilson on Friday evening. Clare Balding and Anthony Beevor are the headline speakers on Saturday evening, and on Sunday afternoon BBC journalist and Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine takes to the stage. Author M. C. Beaton will be looking back on 20 years of her Agatha Raisin crime novels. Kate Colquhoun discusses historical novels with Lawrence Norfolk whose new book John Saturnall’s Feast was inspired by Kate’s work. Anne Sebba will talk about That Woman - the Life of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. Julia Gregson and Lucinda Riley will discuss Love in the Second World War, and the family of Call The Midwife author Jennifer Worth will describe the journey from book to top-rating TV series.
Thursday September 13th 2012
6.00pm for 7.00pm. Michael Palin at Chiswick House: From Brazil to The Truth
A special pre-Festival event in the splendid surroundings of the Burlington Pavilion at Chiswick House. Fact and fiction will both feature in this appearance by the much-loved and iconic international star Michael Palin. He talks to the BBC’s arts correspondent Rebecca Jones about his second novel, The Truth, and his new BBC series and book on Brazil. Refreshments on sale from 6.00pm. Books for sale and signing afterwards. Supported by Hubbard Pegman & Whitney LLP.
The Burlington Pavilion, Chiswick House. £10
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Friday September 14th 2012
3.45pm for 4.15pm. Cressida Cowell: How to Train Your Dragon: the books, the films and the future
The 11th book in Cressida Cowell’s international bestselling series, How to Train Your Dragon, is published this year and DreamWorks is producing a sequel to its hit motion picture based on the series. Cressida Cowell talks about the books and what inspired her to write them as well as her much loved Emily Brown series. Books for sale and signing afterwards.
St Michael & All Angels Church. £3
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7.30pm A.N. Wilson: The Potter’s Hand – and why I weep for Wedgwood
Dazzling conversationalist, novelist, biographer and journalist, A.N. Wilson discusses his new novel The Potter’s Hand, based on the story of the Wedgwood Pottery dynasty. The novel draws on his own family experience, growing up in the shadow of the Wedgwood empire. Books on sale and for signing afterwards. Supported by Savills, Chiswick High Road.
St Michael & All Angels Church. £5
Refreshments available from 7pm.
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Saturday September 15th 2012
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Children’s Book Festival – FREE
Admission is free to the Children’s Book Festival and the two poetry workshops – but the morning events are now FULLY BOOKED.
Books on sale and for signing afterwards. Refreshments on sale. Please note: The Disney Junior Poetry workshop IS NOW FULL!
9.45am Eva Katzler: Florentine and Pig have a Very Lovely Picnic
Singer-songwriter Eva Katzler reads her latest story about Florentine and Pig. They love cooking and are full of great ideas for things to do – with craft and recipe extras, and treats for the children to take away. Mumsnet’s Book of the Month, July 2012. For ages 3 to 7. FULLY BOOKED.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs.
10.15am Tracey Corderoy: Whizz Pop! Granny, Stop!
There is more trouble afoot for the little girl whose Granny is a witch! Don’t miss this entertaining reading and crafts session with award-winning author Tracey Corderoy. For ages 3 to 5.
FULLY BOOKED.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs.
10.45am – 11.15am Lyn Gardner: Olivia’s Enchanted Summer
School’s out for summer! Olivia and her friends are to spend August in Edinburgh, home to the world-famous Fringe Festival. … With such passion, such good friendships and the summer stretching out before them, what could possibly go wrong? The new book about the girls who love performing, by The Guardian theatre critic Lyn Gardner. For ages 9+. FULLY BOOKED.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs.
Poetry Extravaganza – St Michael & All Angels Church – Admission free
12 Noon: Performance poetry with Chris White
Author and poet Chris White performs his poetry whilst drawing wild and wacky illustrations. His fusion of humour, illustration and the written word has taken him to schools all around the world. Join him to see how his creative mind works, and how he brings poetry alive for children of all ages.
St Michael & All Angels Church.
12.35pm Two Poetry Workshops – for 2 to 7-year-olds and 8 to 13-year-olds #
Following the success of last year’s Young People’s Poetry Competition and Workshop, the Festival has teamed up with Disney Junior and the Poetry Society to run a younger poetry workshop as well.
- The Junior Workshop, for parents and children from 2 to 7, IS NOW FULL!
It lasts an hour and will include readings from Disney Junior’s A Poem Is… series.
- The Older Workshop will hear this year’s Young People’s Poetry Competition results; then children will work in groups to find great ways to spark up their creativity and write their own exciting new poems. #Watch here on the website for any timing updates.
Places limited so please register for a free place via the booking form
St Michael & All Angels Church.
Book now
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Saturday September 15th 2012 – Admission to all today’s events by Saturday Day Pass
(except Clare Balding and Antony Beevor, which require separate tickets)
11.45am Andy Briggs: Celebrating 100 Years of Tarzan
This autumn marks the centenary of one of the greatest legends in fiction. With the backing of the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate, Tarzan has been brought into the 21st century! After the success of his first new Tarzan novel, Tarzan: The Greystoke Legacy, Andy Briggs will talk about the latest episode in his historic revamp, Tarzan: The Jungle Warrior, and how you update a legend.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Saturday Day Pass
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11.45am Chiswick’s History: Bedford Park and Hogarth’s House
Two new books by well-known local historians shed new light on Chiswick’s history. Jonathan Carr’s Bedford Park by David Budworth describes the “steely determination” of the man who built the first garden suburb. Hogarth’s House by Val Bott tells the story of the house and its residents between 1713 and 2012, including a Lutheran minister; the painter and engraver William Hogarth and his household; a romantic poet and a melodramatic actor.
The Tabard Theatre. Saturday Day Pass
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1.00pm Julia Gregson and Lucinda Riley: Love in the Second World War
The Second World War has proved an inspiration for a vast range of novels, from sweeping romances to family secrets. Bestselling authors Julia Gregson (Jasmine Nights) and Lucinda Riley (The Light Behind The Window) discuss the way that fact blurs with fiction and how the war has provided a rich source of inspiration for their writing. Chaired by Elizabeth Buchan, Sunday Times reviewer and author of Daughters.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Saturday Day Pass
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1.00pm Adam Smith: Beautiful Brutality: Boxing’s Family Ties
Behind every boxer there’s a family – the Hattons, Mayweathers, Khans, Klitschkos and Calzaghes. Sky Sports head of boxing Adam Smith knows them well and takes you right to the ringside in this book, exploring an extraordinary private world. He will be talking to former European champion Spencer Oliver. Supported by the Hogarth Health Club.
The Tabard Theatre. Saturday Day Pass
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2.15pm Anne Sebba: That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor
Based on material never before seen, historian Anne Sebba draws a vivid picture of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, at the heart of a key moment in history. Anne will talk of uncovering family members and archives that allowed her to delve into a deep analysis of Wallis Simpson’s striking character.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Saturday Day Pass
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2.15pm Criminal Minds: Michael Marshall, Sophie Hannah, Stav Sherez
Your password is protected. Your life is not… Three critically acclaimed crime novelists debate the thin line that separates good and evil, happiness and misery, luck and fate. Stav Sherez, Sophie Hannah and Michael Marshall have all had books optioned or adapted for the big screen. Daily Telegraph crime critic Jake Kerridge chairs a panel discussion that examines the inspiration and research for the dark side of life…
The Arts Educational Schools, 14 Bath Road, London W4 1LY
PLEASE NOTE: CHANGE OF VENUE! Saturday Day Pass
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2.45pm Poetry Workshop: James Priestman
From Beowulf’s banquets to Walt Whitman’s breakfasts, food has inspired poetry. Ahead of The Pocket Bakery session, James Priestman, chair of the Pitshanger Poets, will facilitate this workshop on food and poetry, with poems that encourage discussion. All are welcome to join in or listen.
St Michael & All Angels Church. Saturday Day Pass
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3.30pm 20 Years of Agatha Raisin – M.C. Beaton talks to Simon Brett
Bestselling author M.C. Beaton created the much-loved books about Agatha Raisin – the feisty private detective based in the Cotswolds (as well as Hamish McBeth). With acclaimed writer Simon Brett, she celebrates the 20th anniversary of Agatha Raison, discussing the humour and the endearing characters that have captivated millions of readers worldwide.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Saturday Day Pass
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4.45pm The Pocket Bakery: Teatime with Rose Prince
Bestselling food writer, Rose Prince discusses everything from creating canapés to making moussaka. Exploring her many cookery books, Rose will take her audience on a voyage of tantalising taste, in conversation with food and drink critic, Carolyn Hart. And after the launch of The Pocket Bakery, there’ll be samples to try!
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Saturday Day Pass
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5.45pm My Animals and Other Family – Clare Balding talks to India Knight
Award-winning broadcaster and writer Clare Balding talks about her childhood as the daughter of a champion trainer, sharing her life with more than 100 thoroughbred racehorses mares, foals and ponies, and a pack of boxers and lurchers. She and her younger brother came very low down the pecking order! In conversation with journalist and bestselling author, India Knight. SOLD OUT!
St Michael & All Angels Church. £5
6.30pm Festival Drinks Reception, followed by:
7.00pm The Second World War: Antony Beevor
The Second World War is a magisterial, single-volume history of the greatest conflict the world has ever known. Using the most up-to-date scholarship, our foremost military historian Antony Beevor assembles the whole picture in a gripping narrative, never losing sight of the fate of ordinary soldiers and civilians.
St Michael & All Angels Church. £5
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Sunday September 16th 2011 – Admission to all today’s events by Sunday Day Pass
11.30am David Shreeve: Sharing Eden
Leading UK Jewish, Christian and Muslim environmentalists have launched Sharing Eden – a handbook to encourage a greener lifestyle for all, using the teachings of their faiths. David Shreeve, director of the Conservation Foundation, advises the Church of England and co-wrote How many light-bulbs does it take to change a Christian?
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Sunday Day Pass
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Followed immediately by
12 Noon: Laetitia Maklouf: How to Create a Garden in a Year
After the success of her first book, The Virgin Gardener, about falling in love with plants, Laetitia Maklouf describes how she’s created her own garden, in her new book Sweet Peas for Summer. Proof that a life full of plants is the only one worth living!
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall upstairs. Sunday Day Pass
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11.45am Judith Flanders: The Victorian City: Everyday Life In Dickens’ London
Author of The Victorian House, and The Invention of Murder, Judith Flanders has written a fascinatingly detailed recreation of life on the streets of Victorian London, from the gruelling working days of children to the many uses for dead horses’ body parts, from sewers to slums and theatres to gin palaces, Judith’s book is truly riveting!
The Tabard Theatre. Sunday Day Pass
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1.15pm Lunch session. Call The Midwife
After last year’s Downton Abbey lunch, the Festival celebrates this year’s hit TV drama – the BBC adaptation of the late Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, Call the Midwife, with another lunchtime event. Jennifer’s husband, Philip Worth, and daughter, Suzannah Hart, talk about Jennifer’s life and books, and their feelings on seeing her depicted on screen. And the BBC’s controller of drama Ben Stephenson, who commissioned the series, explains why the books appealed to him and what makes them work so well on television.
St Michael & All Angels Church. Sunday Day Pass. Refreshments available.
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1.15pm History, Food and Fiction: Lawrence Norfolk and Kate Colquhoun
John Saturnall’s Feast, a dazzling novel, twelve years in the writing, tells a rich, complex story of 17th Century life, love and war – about an orphan who becomes a kitchen boy at a manor house and rises to become the greatest cook of his generation. Lawrence Norfolk will be interviewed by Kate Colquhoun, bestselling author of Mr Briggs’ Hat, whose own work, Taste: The Story of Britain Through its Cooking, inspired his book.
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall Upstairs. Sunday Day Pass
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2.30pm – 4.00pm Creative Writing and Getting Published In Association with the National Academy of Writing
Director of the NAW, Richard Beard will lead the panel for a practical guide on how to write and get published in the fast-changing digital age. Insights into creative writing techniques, how to gain a publisher’s attention, and the merits of self-publishing will be given by a publisher, literary agent, creative writing lecturer, and authors, including Francesca Brill (The Harbour).
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall Upstairs. Sunday Day Pass
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2.45pm Jeremy Vine: It’s All News To Me
25 years after radio and TV presenter Jeremy Vine joined the BBC, he has written a warm, witty and self-deprecating memoir, with great anecdotes about Peter Mandelson, Jeremy Paxman, John Sergeant and others. Andrew Marr calls it “the ultimate insider’s account” and says “Jeremy Vine is as good a writer as he is a broadcaster”.
St Michael & All Angels Church. Admission by Sunday Day Pass
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## Details subject to change. More events may be added. Please watch Festival website, posters and noticeboards for updates.
Refreshments will be available throughout the Festival in the Marquee. The Festival will close at 4pm on Sunday afternoon.