Alterations to our 2026 programme since the printed version of our brochure went to press at in early 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.
A WORD ABOUT WAITING LISTS: We don’t want to raise your hopes too much – usually very few people on the waiting list will end up with a ticket. But it’s worth adding your name because sometimes we are able to respond positively. We have added three more Beatles Walks this year and have released more tickets for Rough Justice: Wendy Joseph KC after moving that event from the Parish Hall into the Church.
The Local Authors Showcase at the George IV and the Paperback Writer event at Chiswick House are still sold out, but the Book Now button is showing again because some people from the waiting list are being invited to take up a cancelled place (they are given a password to do this).
SPEAKER AND EVENT UPDATES
The following events are SOLD OUT with a waiting list:
Fergal Keane: War, Fear and the BBC
Vera, Rasputin and Putin: People and Power in Russia
Festival Walk 1 and 1a: The Beatles in Chiswick
Festival Walk 2: Riverside Writers of Chiswick
Festival Walk 3: Writers of Repute…
Local Authors Showcase
Paperback Writer: The Beatles in Chiswick (See note above: A Word about Waiting Lists)
Nick Clegg: Can He Save the Internet?
Ben Macintyre: The Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy.
The following events have CHANGED VENUE:
Rough Justice: Wendy Joseph KC at 11am on Saturday is now in St Michael & All Angels Church.
Robert Hardman & Catherine Mayer: Elizabeth II and Battles Royal at 11am on Saturday is now upstairs to St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall
Saturday September 12
- Big Tech and AI: Beeban Kidron will now be interviewed by the Festival Director Torin Douglas
- Young Poets Prizegiving: The prizes will now be presented by Christopher Jarvis.
- 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.
- Anthony Seldon: The Brexit Effect on Downing Street. The chair will be Jo Coburn and Anthony will also speak about his new book Rishi at No 10.
- 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