This page contains information about alterations to our 2026 programme since the printed version of our brochure went to press at the beginning of July. There’s a downloadable PDF version of the brochure here.
For first news of programme alterations and updates, join our mailing list – and read the latest Newsetter here.
SPEAKER AND EVENT UPDATES
The following events are SOLD OUT with a waiting list:
Festival Walk 1 and 1a: The Beatles in Chiswick; Festival Walk 2: Riverside Writers of Chiswick;
Paperback Writer: The Beatles in Chiswick; Nick Clegg: Can He Save the Internet?; Rough Justice: Wendy Joseph KC; Ben Macintyre: The Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy.
Sunday August 30
We have teamed up with ActOne Cinema, for a special screening of A Hard Day’s Night followed by a conversation with Samira Ahmed, author of the new BFI Classics book about the film who’s also appearing at our Beatles in Chiswick event on 12 September. Shot mostly in west London, the film follows The Beatles over two days as the band struggles to keep themselves and Paul McCartney’s mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance. Tickets are available here.
Saturday September 12
- Cricket: History, Politics and Poetry. The chair will now be Rishi Dastidar.
- Rough Justice: Wendy Joseph KC. The chair will now be Ann Crichton.
- Helping Children to Read for Pleasure in the Digital Age: The Reading Agency’s Head of Research & Evaluation Dr Carina Spaulding is now joined by producers Nigel Twumasi and Laura Henry-Allain MBE to discuss how to get children reading for fun with Alison Stewart of the Children’s Media Foundation. They will suggest genres and platforms for reluctant readers, especially boys, and stress the importance of reading to and with children from a very early age, to instil a lifelong love of reading. And while the use of screens can help children’s literacy, there’s a concern that a lack of literacy amongst children could make them vulnerable to the mis- and disinformation which is so prevalent today.
- Fergal Keane: War, Fear…and the BBC. The chair will now be Julian Worricker.
Monday September 14
- New session: The Story of Printmaking: Holly EJ Black.
William Hogarth remains one of the world’s best-known printmakers. In his former home, arts journalist Holly EJ Black will explore the evolution of printmaking as a means of creative expression, from prehistory to the present day, as told in her vividly engaging new book The Story of Printmaking: A Global History of Art. This session is held in fond memory of Edward Stourton, who was due to speak here about his book Made in America: The Dark History that led to Donald Trump. Chaired by Festival director Torin Douglas.
Hogarth’s House, Hogarth Lane, Great West Road, London W4 2QN, £10.
Ticket Information
REFUNDS: Refunds are only issued if the event itself is cancelled.
TICKETING QUERIES: Please contact boxoffice@chiswickbookfestival.net.
CHILDREN: Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adults, each with their own ticket.
CARER SEAT POLICY: Carers are entitled to a free ticket when accompanying an attendee. Please note that not all of our venues are easy to access – see our Venues page for details. Contact the Box Office for information and carer assistance: boxoffice@chiswickbookfestival.net