(c) Roger Green
From best selling authors and political figures to local writers, the 2026 line-up brings together some of the biggest names in books and publishing. Among the headline speakers are Nick Clegg, Robert Hardman, Ben Macintyre, Kate Mosse, Mary Portas and Jacqueline Wilson, alongside many more familiar and emerging voices.
And, as always, the festival will make the most of some of Chiswick’s most atmospheric venues, with events taking place at St Michael & All Angels Church, Chiswick House & Gardens, George IV, and other locations around the neighbourhood. The festival programme has been refreshed this year by a new team of publishing professionals, bringing a fresh perspective while retaining some of the events that have become firm favourites with local audiences. The popular Local Authors Showcase returns, giving Chiswick writers the chance to introduce their work, alongside a programme of community events designed to bring readers together.
The festival opens on Wednesday 9 September with the Local Authors Showcase at George IV, setting the tone for six days of conversations, ideas and stories.
One particularly intriguing event will look back at a piece of Chiswick’s musical history. This year marks 60 years since The Beatles filmed “Paperback Writer” and “Rain” in Chiswick, and the festival will celebrate the anniversary with a special discussion hosted by broadcaster Samira Ahmed. She will be joined by Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn and filmmaker Tony Palmer to explore the band’s enduring influence on music and popular culture.
For Beatles fans, it is a chance to discover more about a familiar local connection; for everyone else, it is a reminder of just how much cultural history can be found on our doorstep.
The Chiswick Book Festival has always been about more than simply listening to authors talk about their latest books. Now a well established part of the local calendar, the festival brings together readers of all ages while supporting reading and community initiatives.
A new partnership with BookBrunch, the digital hub for publishing and books, will support this year’s programme, with BookBrunch also sponsoring the festival’s green room.
The festival remains a not-for-profit community event, with all profits going towards reading and community charities. Since it began in 2009, it has raised more than £170,000 for charitable causes,including Read for Good, Read Easy Ealing and Koestler Arts.
If you are looking for your next great read, want to hear from a favourite author, are interested in local history or simply enjoy a good conversation about books and ideas, September’s festival is a chance to discover something new, and perhaps meet a few fellow book lovers along the way.
Find the full programme and book tickets at www.chiswickbookfestival.net
