Wimbledon Bookfest Is Back This Month

---

The Big Tent will be in place on Wimbledon Common

The 11th annual Wimbledon BookFest is back this month bringing the worlds of literature, the arts, popular culture, film and sport to the Big Tent on Wimbledon Common.

There will be almost 100 events taking place this year between 5-15 October showcasing a diverse range of literary names, local talent, politics, current affairs, sport, film, music, theatre and children’s events.

Set on Wimbledon Common, the Baillie Gifford Big Tent, seating up to 500, and the intimate William Morris themed marquee, provide the focal point for the Festival.

2017 Headliners include bestselling novelists Ali Smith, Salman Rushdie, Matt Haig, AL Kennedy, Anthony Horowitz, Tracy Chevalier, Elif Shafak and Kamila Shamsie; entrepreneur Liz Earle; violinist Min Kym; Alexandra Shulman discussing her life in Vogue and June Sarpong talking about the ideas behind her new book Diversify.

A lively politics and current affairs strand features Alan Johnson, Evan Davies, Chris Patten, Jon Sopel and Fergal Keane. Chris Boardman, Judy Murray, John Inverdale and Brian Moore provide unique insight in to the world of sport. Joe Lycett and James Acaster headline BookFest’s legendary comedy night.

Children’s events include Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell, a celebration of the work of playwright David Wood and Matt Edmondson performing some jaw-dropping magic tricks.  

This year the Festival is particularly delighted to welcome former Wimbledon resident Jane Gardam who will be in conversation with author Neel Mukherjee as The Jane Gardam Short Story Prize is launched in honour of her contribution to the form. 

 See www.wimbledonbookfest.org for complete programme details.

October 3, 2017