2023 Festival Event

Leo McKinstry and Joshua Levine

Leo McKinstry and Joshua Levine debate the heroes of World War II. Leo McKinstry argues for an unknown and overlooked maritime wing of the RAF, nicknamed the Cinderella Service. He reveals the Cinderella Boys as the unsung heroes of the Battle of the Atlantic. In contrast, Joshua Levine discusses the infamous SAS. A small band of soldiers who pioneered a radical new form of warfare by running small-scale but devastating raids behind enemy lines.

Leo McKinstry and Joshua Levine are both highly successful authors. Leo McKinstry has published twelve non-fiction titles and is a leading national journalist. Joshua Levine has written seven best-selling history books and worked as the historical advisor on the 2017 film Dunkirk.

Tickets are £10 – £15
25% saving on the cover price of the book if bought together with an event ticket

Other events taking place on the same day

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
10 – 11.30am

Olympic Studios

Tom Courtenay in conversation with Michael Billington

One of Britain’s much-loved actors of our times, Sir Tom Courtenay discusses his early career in film and on stage with leading theatre critic, Michael Billington.

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
10 – 11.30am

Barnes Green Centre

Ysenda Maxtone Graham in conversation with AJ Pearce

Top features writer Ysenda Maxtone Graham and bestselling author of the Emmy Lake Chronicles, AJ Pearce, meet for a witty and thoughtful discussion about the ever-changing world of women at work and ‘Jobs for the Girls’.

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
12n – 1.30pm

St Mary’s Barnes

Oliver Soden in conversation with Patricia Hodge

Oliver Soden joins the actress Patricia Hodge, to discuss the life and work of Noël Coward. A deeply complex man, Coward was endlessly talented but notoriously prickly and contradictory.

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
2 – 3.30pm

Barnes Green Centre

Simon Heffer in conversation with Allan Mallinson

Simon talks about his research into one of the most unsettling times in Britain, the interwar years of 1919 – 1939, an era marked by political upheaval, monarchical crisis, deep social division and change.

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
4 – 5.30pm

St Mary's Barnes

Anne Glenconner in conversation with Gyles Brandreth

Anne Glenconner discusses her astonishing life of stark contrasts, joy and loss, in conversation with the indefatigable broadcaster and author, Gyles Brandreth.

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
4 – 5.30pm

Barnes Green Centre

Helen Czerski in conversation with Tracy Edwards

As a physicist and oceanographer, Helen gives a fascinating insight into the powerful and dynamic force of the ocean, its vast power and how it impacts the natural world and society. As a world class British sailor, Tracy Edwards brings a different perspective.

Sun, 24 Sept 2023
6 – 7.30pm

St Mary's Barnes

Anthony Seldon in conversation with Sonia Purnell

Sir Anthony Seldon and Sonia Purnell have both written intriguing accounts about Boris Johnson, they discuss the Johnson years, his life, ambition and time in power at No. 10.

Tickets are still available for some events, either online or at the door. Please note the event Anne Glenconner in conversation with Gyles Brandreth is sold out.

2023 Festival Event

Leo McKinstry and Joshua Levine

Tickets are £10 – £1525% saving on the cover price of the book if bought together with an event ticket

Other events taking place on the same day

2023 Festival Schedule

5:30 - 7pm

7:30 - 9pm

10 - 11:30AM

11 - 12:30pm

12n - 1:30pm

2 - 3:30pm

4 - 5:30pm

6 - 7:30pm

10 - 11:30AM

12n - 1:30pm

2 - 3:30pm

4 - 5:30pm

6-7:30PM

Tickets are still available for some events, either online or at the door.
Please note the event Anne Glenconner in conversation with Gyles Brandreth is sold out.

Tickets are £10 – £15
25% saving on the cover price of the book if bought together with an event ticket