One of the many handy things about books is that they can be enjoyed in any season, but a festival about books? That’s when the late summer sun comes into play.
That’s what we’ll all be hoping for as we shuffle out of the Bakerloo line, moving leisurely towards the annual Queen’s Park Book Festival that takes place on August 31 and September 1 this year. With a lineup of fantastic authors, gazebos – perfect for shading from the sun, or (whisper it) the possibility of rain – hosting talks, and soaking up the literary vibe, it’s not one to miss in the bookish calendar that Londoners keep track of.
Queen’s Park Book Festival 2024
A festival that’s all about books needs a lineup of stellar authors, and that’s exactly what Queen’s Park has delivered once again.
Highlights include an appearance from British-Turkish author Elif Shafak, who will be discussing her new novel There Are Rivers In The Sky – which tells the story of how a single drop of water connects a lost poem, two rivers, and the lives of three people; one living in Victorian London, another in Turkey in 2014, and a third in the London of today. It comes after her stunning 2021 work The Island Of Missing Trees, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize For Fiction; and Shafak will be in conversation with Claire Armitsead, who is Associate Editor at The Guardian.
Alan Bennet is also along for the ride, and the esteemed playwright will be taking centre stage with documentary extraordinaire Adam Low and Martin Rosenbaum to talk about his life, career and the upcoming documentary to to celebrate his 90th birthday
Also on the agenda is intrepid explorer Michael Palin, who will be talking about his new work that looks into the life of his great-uncle, who died in the trenches of Northern France. Using everything from historical documents to family gossip, he will speak about Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale Of War And Empire with travel book writer Colin Thubron.
Elsewhere across the weekend, guests can look forward to discussions with former Green Party leader Caroline Lucus on her book Another England; award-winning restaurant critic Jay Raynerto discuss his book on recipes he takes home with him that are inspired by the best chefs in the world; author and comic-creator Jim Smith; and more!
You can view the full programme for the Queen’s Park Book Festival 2024, which takes place on August 31 & September 1 at their website.