If you find yourself at a bit of a loose end this weekend, and you happen to be near Queen’s Park, you might be interested in the Queen’s Park Book Festival, Kilburn, London which is taking place from 30 June to 1 July 2018.

There are a wide variety of events taking place. There should be something for everyone with events covering film and theatre, sport, music, cookery, local legends, poetry, current affairs and fiction.  Some of these will involve topics applicable to the area, such as Queen’s Park stories, featuring local authors and poets. There are events covering the centenary of women’s right to vote, featuring Shami Chakrabarti, biographer Rachel Holmes and author Caitlyn Davies. There’s even an event discussing the World Cup.  Sarah Hilary  and Ali Knight will be discussing the secrets that give an edge to their novels. The Booker Prize is 50 years old and 2013 winner Eleanor Catton will talk about the literary prize with former judge Stuart Kelly and advisory committee member Derek Johns. Queen’s Park resident Zadie Smith will also be in conversation. Local author Clemency Burton- Hill will be discussing classical music, the theme of her book Year of Wonder  with Hannah Beckerman.

There are free events such as with poet Karen Rydings, Greg Sams, (founder of Whole Earth foods and creator of the veggie burger!), a discussion about publishing in the digital age and a discussion about London’s underground rivers and lost railways. Authors Gulwali Passarlay, JJ Bola and Sophie Herxheimer will be talking about their refugee experiences.

Special events include a showing of Frankenstein, from 1931, and an event dedicated to the servicement of Queen’s Park.

Children haven’t been missed out. There’s a free event for making books with the children of Mbollet Ba village, in The Gambia, Bugs, Beasts and the Big Blue, Football school and much more.

Other authors appearing include Natasha Solomons, Eve Chase, Elizabeth Fremantle, Tessa Hadley, Imogen Hermes Gowar, Philip Hensher, Irenosen Okojie, Cathy Rentzenbrink, Louisa Young, Adam Kay, Chris Lewis and Mihir Bose.

You can find out more about the festival and purchase tickets for the events here.

Please note I have not been paid for this post, nor do I receive any compensation for highlighting the festival.