The Ealing Book Festival will return later this month for its third year with organisers highlighting a growing programme of local writers, schools and community events.
Running from 29 April to 3 May 2026, the festival opens to the public at University of West London with a talk by author Jung Chang, one of several events organisers said have sold out.
Ahead of the main programme, a schools oracy event on 23 April 2026 will see 60 pupils from five Ealing primary schools perform poems on the theme “Proud to be Me”. The project has been led by poet Alain ‘Fusion’ Clapman.
Festival organisers said this year’s Local Authors’ Showcase attracted a record 70 applications for 20 places. Among those selected is Ealing resident Jack Waddington, who will present a book written after the death of his brother Sam.
The showcase takes place on 1 May 2026 at the University of West London, where 20 writers will each be given two minutes to introduce their latest work.
An additional family day is planned for 9 May 2026 at the Dominion Centre in Southall, including children’s storytelling sessions, poetry workshops and performances from local writers.
Other scheduled speakers include Anthony Horowitz, Alan Johnson, Simon Jenkins and Mary Portas.
