We have an amazing programme of authors, specialist writers and talks for this year’s festival and we hope you can join us. With a growing reputation for lively discussion and new ideas, Barnes BookFest 2024 takes place in Barnes, London SW13 from Friday 20 September – Sunday 22 September 2024.
Register below for updates and latest news.
- 4:00 pm
Robert Harris -
Bestselling author Robert Harris talks with historian Simon Heffer about the research and true story underlying his latest novel 'Precipice'.
- 6:00 pm
Frank Gardner -
Author and BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner talks about 'Invasion', his fourth book featuring SIS operative Luke Carlton in a story of dark espionage and geopolitical tension.
- 8:00 pm
Thurston Moore -
'One of the top guitarists of all time' (Rolling Stone), Thurston Moore discusses post-punk bohemia and life as the frontman of Sonic Youth – which defined alt rock in the 1980s/1990s.
- 7:18 am
Emily Howes -
Debut novelist Emily Howes discusses the family life of eighteenth-century artist Thomas Gainsborough with the acclaimed writer and critic Antonia Senior.
- 7:18 am
Laurie Bristow -
Sir Laurie Bristow, the last Ambassador to Afghanistan in 2021, will meet award-winning Afghan journalist Zahra Joya to discuss events in Afghanistan, why it still matters and what should be done.
- 2:00 pm
Renaissance Women -
A trio of remarkable women discuss their work in music, sport and literature.
- 2:00 pm
Tomiwa Owolade -
Tomiwa Owolade argues that the debate about race and racial injustice is dominated by American viewpoints. Instead, we need a new conversation about race in British life today.
- 4:00 pm
Nigel Biggar -
Professor Nigel Biggar’s bestselling analysis of the British Empire provoked extensive debate. In his defence of the empire, he faces challenging questions about colonialism.
- 4:00 pm
Gill Johnson -
Gill Johnson discusses her memoir, which recaptures the lavish opulence of Venice during the 1950s and her time there as a young woman, in conversation with journalist Rory Ross.
- 6:00 pm
Miriam Margolyes -
Miriam Margolyes discusses her memoir 'Oh Miriam!' with fellow actress Patricia Hodge and shares all sorts of stories – both published and unpublished.
- 8:00 pm
Laura Cumming -
Art critic Laura Cumming discusses her book 'Thunderclap', a memoir about a life in art, a father and daughter and the great artists of the Dutch Golden Age.
- 10:00 am
Hayley Mills -
Hayley Mills discusses Hollywood and childhood stardom in conversation with theatre critic Michael Billington.
- 10:00 am
Bernard O’Keeffe -
Life hopefully doesn’t mimic art as local author Bernard O’Keeffe talks about his latest DI Garibaldi novel, in which a crime writer is found dead in Barnes Pond hours after giving a talk at the Barnes Book Festival.
- 7:18 am
Gyles Brandreth and Leigh Lawson -
Podcaster, broadcaster, writer and performer Gyles Brandreth meets his friend, the actor and poet Leigh Lawson, to celebrate the power of poetry and the importance of positivity.
- 7:18 am
Henry Hemming -
Henry Hemming discusses the tangled networks of British intelligence and the IRA and the truth behind the ruthless murder of Frank Hegarty, a British agent during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
- 2:00 pm
Chris Blackhurst -
Award-winning City editor Chris Blackhurst discusses finance, football and Manchester United, and how the Premier League is turning into a playground for billionaire owners.
- 2:00 pm
Annie Garthwaite -
Annie Garthwaite discusses Cecily Neville - mother of Edward IV and Richard III - the Wars of the Roses and the four women who shaped the progress and outcome of these most savage wars.
- 4:00 pm
Chris Patten -
Lord Patten’s account of his time as the last Governor of Hong Kong gives unprecedented insights into negotiating with the Chinese, he discusses what has happened since the 1997 handover.
- 4:00 pm
Vernon Bogdanor -
Political historian Sir Vernon Bogdanor considers six post-war politicians who each had an extraordinary impact on our country, despite never becoming prime minister.
- 6:00 pm
Sue Prideaux -
The highly acclaimed biographer Sue Prideaux discusses her latest book – a vital re-examination of the trail blazing and controversial artist, Paul Gauguin.
- 6:00 pm
Abi Daré -
Internationally bestselling novelist Abi Daré talks about her latest novel 'And So I Roar' which continues the story of Adunni, a young runaway in Nigeria who seeks a better future.
- 8:00 pm
Joanne Harris -
Possibly England’s greatest batsman, the former captain of the England cricket team talks with sports presenter Eleanor Olyroyd about all things cricket and beyond.
- 21/09/2025
- 9:30 am
- Olympic Studios
Joanne Harris -
Joanne Harris discusses Vianne - the long awaited prequel to Chocolat - at a special film and in-conversation event.
- 26/09/2025
- 4:00 pm
- St Mary’s Barnes
William Boyd -
William Boyd discusses his latest novel The Predicament, the electrifying sequel to Gabriel’s Moon.
A printed festival programme is available at the Barnes Bookshop, 98 Church Road.
2024 Festival Schedule
A printed festival programme is available at the Barnes Bookshop, 98 Church Road.