Wimbledon BookFest returns for its sixteenth year this autumn with thought-provoking, inspiring and entertaining events.
In its 10th year, the London’s Leading Literary festival will take place in central Wimbledon and will be focussed on culture, community and global connection.
Community and inclusivity are central to Wimbledon BookFest’s ethos and this year its calendar of educational programming is celebrated with a raft of new initiatives and partnerships including the Merton Libraries Partnership which will see festival events taking place across the Borough.
The BookFest began in 2006, when two friends, Fiona Razvi and Tony Kane decided to combine their shared passion for literature, culture and education to create a local, annual arts festival. Over a series of brainstorms involving coffee and the occasional strong beverage, the BookFest was born.
Its goal was to bring leading authors, thinkers, scholars and entertainers from the world of literature, arts, politics, sport and entertainment to the heart of the community, bringing them to Wimbledon Common.
Over 10 days at the beginning of Autumn it would host talks and events designed to engage a wide cross section of the community; deliver education projects for schools and young people and always do so in inclusive, affordable and engaging ways.
Fiona Razvi, Festival Founder and Director says:
‘We are incredibly excited to be announcing the line-up for our 2023 edition. Wimbledon BookFest is broad reaching in its ambitions this year and includes a new international partnership with Lahore Literary Festival alongside an extension of our projects working with Merton Libraries.
There is a massive appetite for cultural engagement, and festivals like ours play such an important role in bringing communities, and generations, together to discuss ideas and perspectives in our ever-changing world.
Whether your interest is in crime fiction, history, AI, the state of politics, climate change or the future of our oceans, there is something for everyone at this year’s BookFest’.
Book lovers interested in taking part in one of London’s biggest literary events are invited to volunteer at the BookFest. With the series of author talks and workshops at Merton libraries across the borough there are opportunities to be part of the stewarding team at the these events.
There is also occasional opportunities for students to do work experience at the Festival Office.
For more information on volunteering work, please email volunteers@wimbledonbookfest.org
Wimbledon BookFest 2023 will take place from 12th to 22nd of October across the Borough to ensure accessibility for all, with venues to include Wimbledon Library, Wimbledon High School, New Wimbledon Theatre, Merton and Mitcham libraries.
If you’re having any issues with booking, please email boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org
