Welcome to Barnes BookFest 2025. We have a fantastic programme of authors, specialist writers and talks for this year’s festival – from bestselling author William Boyd to debut writer Nussaibah Younis. Join us for a weekend of books, discussion and new ideas. The festival runs from Friday 26 September – Sunday 28 September.

FESTIVAL UPDATES
Please note changes to event dates/times/venues below:

Christina Lamb and Matt Frei
Award-winning war reporter Christina Lamb is in conversation with Matt Frei on Saturday, 27 September at Barnes Green Centre, 4pm.

Simon Hart and Matt Frei
Former Chief Whip and MP Simon Hart is in conversation with Matt Frei on Sunday 28 September at Kitson Hall, starting at 4pm.

Mishal Husain and Maria Sturdy-Morton:
Journalist and broadcaster Mishal Husain is in conversation with Maria Sturdy-Morton on Sunday 28 September at St Mary’s Barnes, starting at 4pm.

SOLD OUT!
We’re sorry – the events with William Boyd (26 September), Gordon Corera (27 September), Jonathan Sumption (28 September) and Michael Heseltine (3 October) are now completely sold out.

Tickets are selling fast for all remaining events but there’s still time to catch outstanding author talks at the festival.
See below for full programme details.

21/09/2025
9:30 am
Olympic Studios

Joanne Harris -

Vianne

Joanne Harris discusses Vianne - the long awaited prequel to Chocolat - at a special film and in-conversation event.

26/09/2025
4:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

William Boyd -

The Predicament

William Boyd discusses his latest novel The Predicament, the electrifying sequel to Gabriel’s Moon.

26/09/2025
4:00 pm
OSO Arts Centre

Tama Matheson -

on ‘Nancy Wake’

Tama Matheson discusses Nancy Wake - one of the world’s most intrepid spies during WWII - with historian Dr Kate Vigurs.

26/09/2025
6:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Charlie Higson -

Talk of the Devil

With martinis shaken and not stirred, Charlie Higson and Simon Ward introduce a fascinating new collection of Ian Fleming’s writings.

26/09/2025
8:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Roger McGough -

The Collected Poems 1959 – 2024

Roger McGough delves into the best of his poems, accompanied by his remarkable band of musicians.

27/09/2025
10:00 am
Barnes Green Centre

Gordon Corera -

The Spy in the Archive

A fascinating look at Vasili Mitrokhin one of the world’s most unlikely traitors and his defection from the Soviet Union.

27/09/2025
11:30 am
Barnes Green Centre

Alex Edmans -

May Contain Lies

Why do smart people fall for bad information? Alex Edmans shows how bias clouds our thinking and how to see clearly again.

27/09/2025
12:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Adam Nicolson -

Bird School

Adam Nicolson introduces us to ‘bird school’ and what our feathered friends can teach us about the natural world.

27/09/2025
2:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Clive Aslet -

King Charles III: 40 Years of Architecture

Clive Aslet discusses HM King Charles III views on architecture - from carbuncles to Dumfries House - during his time as Prince of Wales.

27/09/2025
2:00 pm
Barnes Green Centre

Harriet Cullen -

Lady Pamela Berry

Harriet Cullen discusses Lady Pamela and her remarkable life of passion, politics and power.

27/09/2025
4:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Dolly Jones with David Gandy -

Leaving the Ladder Down

A practical discussion for the next generation of working women on careers and family life given by Dolly Jones and David Gandy

27/09/2025
6:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Gyles Brandreth -

Somewhere, A Boy And A Bear

The wonderful Gyles Brandreth discusses AA Milne, Christopher Robin and possibly the world’s most famous teddy bear.

27/09/2025
6:00 pm
Barnes Green Centre

Rachel Joyce -

The Homemade God

Rachel Joyce meets actress Niamh Cusack to discuss her latest novel, focusing on siblings, family tensions and the legacy of a dominant father.

27/09/2025
8:00 pm
St Mary’s Barnes

Michael Morpurgo -

Spring

Sir Michael Morpurgo talks with Sir Jonathon Porritt about writing his personal memoir, inspired by the changing season of spring at his home in rural Devon.