Where great stories, global voices and open conversations come to life.
First Names Announced
We believe books can change the world…
Especially when their words are taken off the page. As a cultural institution with global reach and London roots, we exist to open ideas, spark conversations, and bring culture to life.
A ten-day festival every October. Over 100 events.
One idea: that everyone belongs.
Come curious. Leave inspired. Feel connected.
Wimbledon BookFest 2026
15–25 October 2026
Ten fully-packed days of inspiration, conversation and connection are coming soon to Wimbledon.
The full 2026 line-up will be announced in June. Expect bold ideas, unmissable moments, and voices from around the world.
Early Bird events on sale now!
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From Wimbledon to the World
London is one of the world’s most culturally connected cities and Wimbledon BookFest reflects this, in everything we do.
Our programme is intentionally international. We believe the best ideas travel, that voices and stories from across the globe belong on London stages. Through partnerships with the Lahore Literary Festival and WOW Seoul Book Festival, we bring global conversations into our autumn programme and send London’s energy back out into the world.
Raising the Voices of the Future
Word Up — our inspirational schools programme, backed by University of Roehampton
The best cultural institutions don’t just reflect the world, they shape the next one.
Every year, more than 11,000 children from 70+ schools across Merton and South London find their voice through Word Up. A programme of author events, writing workshops, and our Young Writers Competition, where every story counts and every voice gets heard. This year we kicked things off by breaking a Guinness World Record with MC Grammar for the National Year of Reading.
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The Festival Big Read
In partnership with Merton Libraries, funded by Arts Council England
What happens when a whole community reads the same book? Conversations start. Connections form.
This year’s book is Kit de Waal’s Without Warning and Only Sometimes — a vivid, deeply human memoir about family, identity and belonging. Pick up your copy at your local Merton library. And when you’re done — pass it on.
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Moments Like This
In June 2025, over 500 students from 21 London schools spent an afternoon questioning former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern on hope, leadership, climate change and the future. In conversation with writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch.
The kind of moment that stays with you. The kind only Wimbledon BookFest can create.
“Inspiring and fulfilling… something that I will never forget and always hold in my heart.” – Student attendee
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Belong to Something Special
Conversations that change your mind. Events you talk about for weeks. Those moments that make you feel connected to culture – both here and around the world. None of it happens without you.
When you support Wimbledon BookFest you keep those moments coming, and help us bring culture to our community, champion reading and writing, and make sure the arts remain open to all. As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to make it all possible.
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Latest from Wimbledon Bookfest
Early Bird Events announced
We are thrilled to announce the first names of Wimbledon BookFest 2026, including Robert Harris, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, Meera Syal and more!
Breaking a World Record with MC Grammar!
Over 850 students joined us at New Wimbledon Theatre to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Rap Lesson with the legendary MC Grammar.
A record-breaking year at Wimbledon BookFest!
Our most successful year ever, welcoming over 20,000 audience members to our 10-day Festival
Sponsors & Partners
International Partnerships
