FAQs

Venues & Accessibility

For general information about venues, directions, and accessibility – please click here.

For access requirements, email boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check the FAQs below.

Ticketing & Admission

For everything you need to know about tickets — how to access them, our refund information, and full ticketing and pricing policies —please click here.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Browse the FAQs below.

FAQ’s

Does the festival accommodate access needs?

Yes, Wimbledon BookFest is committed to ensuring accessibility for all visitors. All venues offer step-free access, with more information available here. Stewards will also be on hand throughout the event to assist visitors with additional needs

If you have specific access needs or just need more information, Please email us at boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org — we’ll be happy to help!

Are more tickets released if an event sells out?

Generally, once an event is sold out, more tickets are not released. However, you can contact boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org to be added to the waiting list.

What happens in the event of a cancellation?

If an event is cancelled, ticket holders will be contacted and offered a refund or transfer to another event.

Are Latecomers Admitted?

Latecomers may not be admitted once an event has started, out of consideration for other audience members and authors. Please allow enough time to reach the venue and be seated before the event begins.

Where can I see the Full Listings?

You can see the full festival listings online by clicking here, or you can pick up a physical brochure at any Merton library.

How long do events last?

Most events last around one hour. Some sessions, such as panel discussions may run for 75–90 minutes. Events for younger children are generally shorter. Our ‘What’s On‘ page shows how long each event lasts—just use it to find all the event details you need.

How do I book a carer/companion ticket?

To request a carer/companion ticket, please contact us at ‘boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org’. 

Where is the festival?

The Festival takes place across three venues in Wimbledon: Merton Arts Space (Wimbledon Library), Rutherford Theatre (Wimbledon High School) and Festival Auditorium (Wimbledon High School), all of which are within walking distance of Wimbledon Station and served by excellent public transport.

How are tickets priced?

We are a not for profit arts and education charity. Almost half of our income is from ticket sales and our tickets are priced to cover the BookFest’s costs. 

What is the booking fee?

Wimbledon BookFest is a not for profit arts and education charity. Our booking fee is applied per order, so is a much smaller % of the total if more than one ticket is booked. This income helps to cover some of our administrative costs and enables us to continue bringing world-class arts and literature events to Merton and run projects with local schools to help to improve rates of literacy and reading for pleasure. This year we are waiving our booking fee and offering concession tickets for Under 30s to help keep tickets affordable for young people. Click here to find out how sign up.

How do I find lost property?

If you’ve lost an item during the festival, please contact ‘boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org’. Our team will contact you if your item is found.

Can I buy books at the festival, and will authors sign them?

Yes, you can buy books onsite at the Festival Bookshop, run by Waterstones. Most authors do offer book signings, but this is subject to change.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code. Everyone is welcome to attend in whatever makes them feel comfortable.

Where can I find disabled parking near the festival?

For attendees with access needs, Blue Badge parking is available on Mansel Road, directly outside Wimbledon High School, offering the most convenient access to the venue.

At the New Wimbledon Theatre, while there is no on-site parking, Blue Badge holders can use nearby on-street bays on Russell Road, within a short walking distance.

For events at Merton Arts Space (Wimbledon Library), the closest accessible parking is located on The Broadway, providing step-free access just a short walk from the library entrance.

Does the Festival ask authors for payment to participate?

Wimbledon BookFest has recently been made aware of fraudulent emails and messages circulating that falsely claim to represent us. These communications appear to target authors and speakers, inviting participation in the festival and, in some cases, requesting payment. We never charge authors or speakers any fees to participate in Wimbledon BookFest. 
If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent Wimbledon BookFest and are unsure of its authenticity, please do not respond or make any payments. If you want to check whether a BookFest email you’ve received is genuine, or you believe you’ve received a scam email, please forward the message to info@wimbledonbookfest.org and we can report it. If you think you’ve received a scam email, we recommend not engaging with the sender any further.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

No worries — just email us at ‘boxoffice@wimbledonbookfest.org’ and we’ll be happy to help!