The Merton Big Read lands in schools
One story. Thousands of readers.
This year we’re proud to launch the Big Read for Schools, to give every Year 8 student in a Merton state school their own copy of Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel, illustrated by Aimée de Jongh. A book to read over the summer and bring back to school in September, ready to talk about.
Maggie O’Farrell, Elif Shafak, Matt Haig, Marcia Hutchinson, Poorna Bell and Caitlin Moran lead Wimbledon BookFest 2026 programme
London’s leading literary festival returns with a major international line-up and a renewed focus on young readers in this National Year of Reading. This includes the launch of the Merton Big Read for Schools and the festival’s first Children’s Laureate, Nathanael Lessore.
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!
Faces of BookFest
From the stage managers to security guards to photographers, there are so many people working behind-the-scenes to make Wimbledon BookFest possible. Meet some of the BookFest team!
Interviews by Samara Watts. Photos by Ada Travis.
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.
BookFest Academy
These articles are written by students of our BookFest academy, who attended events at this year’s Autumn Festival.
A Weekend at Wimbledon BookFest
Explore our 2025 closing weekend with journalist Samara Watts
Autocracy’s Fatal Flaw – The Will of the People
By Oliver Callis (Sixth Form Academy)
Culture as a superpower: novelist Ela Lee
By Taniyah Clarke (Sixth Form Academy)