Wimbledon BookFest

Our Autumn Festival has begun - ten days of fantastic literary events lie ahead! None of this would be possible without our wonderful sponsors, corporate partners and supporters. Each year, their support helps us create a world-class programme of events celebrating literature, culture and the arts. A huge thank you to our principal partners University of Roehampton and to our fantastic venues Wimbledon High School GDST & Merton Libraries and to all our supporters. Ashworths Solicitors LLP London Borough of Merton Viking TooFar Media Marcus Beale Architects Ltd Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District CIPD Clownfish Events Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Canongate Axis Foundation AxisEurope Plc Elys, Wimbledon Hawthornden Foundation The Taylor Family Foundation THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WIMBLEDON LIMITED THE WIMBLEDON FOUNDATION Arts Council England Faber and Faber Bombay Delight Ltd

We are thrilled to have expanded our audience at this year's festival, welcoming over 15,000 people to 70 events including 3,500 school children from local schools. Working with Merton Libraries and Lahore Literary Festival, we have reached new demographics and expanded our community, and the continued support of University of Roehampton has allowed us to bring our vital, life-enhancing education programme to over 14,000 children across the year. We are actively seeking sponsorship who see the value of literature, education and storytelling in our cultural lives. https://lnkd.in/eCikTUMN Merton London Borough Council

Our Word Up! programme of school events and workshops bring brilliant stories to life and aim to inspire the next generation of readers and writers. This year over 11,000 local pupils have taken part in one of our education projects. We offer free and subsidised places for all our author events, and every child goes home with a book to enjoy. Thank you to all the amazing authors who have been part of Word Up! this year including: Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Samira Ahmed, Pamela Butchart, Joseph Coelho, Tim Peake, Katie & Kevin Tsang, Tọlá Okogwu, Nathanael Lessore, Eve Wersocki Morris, Louie Stowell, Roger Stevens, Jeffrey Boakye and Hiba Noor Khan. And a huge thank you to our lead education partner University of Roehampton for their vital support. 

The secret to compelling conversations...   The chairs of our Festival events play a crucial role in creating illuminating, entertaining and memorable events.   And we're lucky that some of the best in the business work with us year on year. Their meticulous research and skilful interviewing ensure considered, interesting and engaging events for our audiences.    A huge thanks to both our 'regulars' and to all the chairs who make help make our Festival so special.  Samira Ahmed Claire Cohen Suzi Feay Stefan Stern Rachel Wang Sam Carlisle Sofia Akel FRSA Alexandra Pringle Jeevan Vasagar Jane Thynne Jennifer Cox Rachel Cooke Brian Moore John Kennedy

Next Sunday lunchtime I'll be talking to Stefan Stern at Wimbledon BookFest. A whistlestop guide to the materials that power the modern world. Tickets still available. Do come along! https://lnkd.in/ejxK4ug2

We Love Our Library! Many of our Festival events take place at Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon Library. We love bringing the very best literary and cultural events to the heart of our community, to new and diverese audiences, and to a space dedicated to the joy of reading and books. All of our events at Merton Arts Space are supported by Merton Libraries in partnership with Arts Council England. With their support we're able to offer free tickets to residents in CR4, CR7, SM3 and SM4 - widening access across the borough. #wimbookfest #MertonLibraries #Artistsworkinlibraries #LetsCreate #Merton London Borough of Merton Arts Council England

Wimbledon BookFest opens today with a line-up we couldn't be prouder of - celebrating new & emerging voices along with big hitters and the 2nd year of our partnership with Lahore Literature Festival. We're on track for record audience attendances - which are becoming broader & more diverse every year. A huge shout out to all our sponsors & funders - it's been a very challenging year & the arts need you! So thank you - thank you - thank you. You are bringing joy and entertainment to so many communities and enriching our lives through sharing stories. And if you're not a sponsor please get in contact - we'd love to hear from you - so you too can become part of our story! University of Roehampton London Borough of Merton Libraries Ashworths Viking TooFar Media Marcus Beale Architects Ltd Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District CIPD Clownfish Events Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Canongate Bombay Delight Ltd Axis Foundation Hawthornden Foundation Taylor Family Foundation The Championships, Wimbledon Foundation Arts Council England

Win with Viking! Bestselling military historian and Festival favourite, Sir Max Hastings, makes a welcome return to Wimbledon BookFest with Operation Biting - an epic tale of courage and daring from World War II.   And thanks to event sponsors Viking you can win a copy of Operation Biting by entering our prize draw here:  https://lnkd.in/eeW65N7b   Viking are a global leader in experiential travel, providing destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. 

I’m in conversation with Clare Balding at Wimbledon BookFest on the 19th of October. Come and join us!

LONDON book lovers, this is my event on Saturday October 19th. Very excited to take part in the brilliant Wimbledon BookFest 2024 on October 19th to talk about my new book The Big Day. If you’re in town, come and see us! Tickets are on sale now here & details about the event: https://lnkd.in/e8CGt-Yi I will be in conversation with fellow author Kate Sawyer, and also discussing her new book This Family. This event is also in collaboration with Lahore Literature Festival. There is a wonderful line up for 2024 including Elif Shafak, Colm Toibin, Tracy Chevalier, Jeffery Archet, Mary Berry, Zandra Rhodes, and many more: https://lnkd.in/ey5EzKb9 There is also a special offer for Book Clubs of 4 tickets for the price of 3. #thebigday #thisfamily #wimbledonbookfest #lahorelitfest