Richmond Upon Thames, the happiest place to live in London for six years running. It’s also a cultural hot spot and home to Richmond Literature Festival. This much awaited annual happening has been bringing writers and communities together for over 30 years.
This year’s theme of ‘breaking ground’ is about imaging new possibilities for our future through literature and new ideas.
Highlights of this year’s programme include:
5 November – Festival launch: This is How We Come Back Stronger
The festival opens with three feminist writers and thinkers Kate Mosse, Sara Collins and Juliet Jacques are joining in a conversation.
7 November – It’s happening now: How can we confront the climate crisis?
Human behaviour is destroying the planet, but the future isn’t yet beyond repair. Expert climate campaigners Jonathon Porritt and Dr Alice Bell discuss what we can do, even now, to confront the climate crisis.
The past 18 months have seen massive upheaval and innovation across the globe. On our fast-changing planet, how can we work towards a world that’s more sustainable, more inclusive and more equal? What exactly is the ‘new normal’ and what does it mean for us?
12 November – A New Retelling: Women of The Greek Myths
Sarvat Hasin, Jennifer Saint and Charlotte Higgins take us to the stories of the ancient world to extract powerful insights, relating these to the present day.
14 November – The Fortune Men – Nadifa Mohamed’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel
Join the author to hear how she wove powerful fiction from a hidden story of injustice. A real eye-opening talk.
Heavyweights from of the past festivals
Speakers at the 2020 festival included Ben Okri, Christy Lefteri, Laura Dockrill and Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason.
Previous speakers include Jacqueline Wilson, Prue Leith, Andrew Marr, Inua Ellams, and Kae Tempest.
Richmond Literature Festival is produced by Richmond Arts Service in partnership with the Libraries Service.
Events take place in libraries and venues across the borough and in partnership with many local organisations.
The festival has been bringing writers and readers together for 30 years. We have taken stories and ideas across the borough, into theatres, historic houses and every library. We have worked with a huge variety of community partners to welcome everyone from best-selling authors to local talent.
After 30 years of prolific events, we are returning in a year like no other. This year Richmond Literature Festival features some of the biggest releases of 2021, inspiring speakers and fresh talent ready to ask questions about our future.
Read more about our 2021 programme.
