Following its successful debut year in 2024, the second Ealing Book Festival has unveiled its programme for 2025, with a line-up which will see several big names take to the stage at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery to discuss their work.
This year’s event will take place at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery from 24 April – 27 April 2025. Highlights will include an appearance from acclaimed author and playwright Hanif Kureishi, discussing his new memoir Shattered – which focuses on the aftermath of the devastating, life-changing fall he had in Rome at the end of 2022.
Meanwhile globally acclaimed author Tracy Chevalier – best known for historical drama Girl With A Pearl Earring – will be talking about her new novel The Glassmaker.
British-Nigerian author Abi Dare will discuss her new book And So I Roar, the sequel to her 2020 best-seller The Girl With The Louding Voice – while Booker Prize nominee Andrew O’Hagan will be talking about his latest book Caledonian Road, which follows the story of an art historian’s dramatic fall from grace.
Other highlights of the festival will include:
- British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak, a former Booker Prize nominee, will be discussing her new work There Are Rivers In The Sky, a sweeping epic set between the 19th Century and the present day
- Natasha Brown, named as a Granta Young British novelist of 2023, talking about her new novel Universality
- The return of the Ealing Local Authors Showcase, giving published writers from the area two minutes to pitch their book in front of an audience
- From Page To Pitch To Publication – a session dedicated to how the publishing process works, led by Curtis Brown literary agent Gordon Wise, best-selling author Alex Gerlis, debut author Nussaibah Younis and Simon & Schuster UK publicity director Sabah Khan.
- The Ealing Book Festival Guided Walk which offers insights into the history of the areaas a source of literary and cultural inspiration
- A children’s poetry and illustration competition on the theme of ‘My story, my future’ – which will allow young writers to get creatives, with prizes on offer for the best work as well as the chance to have it shown at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery.
- Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, who grew up in Ealing, will be hosting an invited schools-only event where she will talk about her Cookie series of books which feature family life and schools science projects.
Catherine Jaquiss, chair, Ealing Book Festival said: “Last year’s inaugural Ealing Book Festival exceeded our expectations and we are confident that the exciting events we have programmed for 2025 will delight audiences again this year.”
Ms Jaquiss added: “We are delighted to be able to offer such an inspiring programme for book enthusiasts and cultural lovers alike which reflects the diversity of our vibrant borough. A year ago many of our events sold out so we recommend buying your tickets early.”
To find out more about the Ealing Book Festival and to book tickets, click here.
