Thank you
Thanks for coming to
Queen's Park Book Festival 2023!
We hope you enjoyed it!
2023 PROGRAMME
Fiction, Memoir, Poetry, Current Affairs, History, Sport, Cookery and more...
Queen’s Park is a hidden, family-friendly gem in North West London centred on a 30 acre park surrounded by beautiful Victorian homes. We are the only London book festival to be held solely in a public park and the area boasts a wonderful literary history as a home to authors, artists, poets and actors for generations.
Saturday 2 September, 1:00pm

Lessons in Life: Andria Zafirakou
Winner of the Global Teacher Prize celebrates her inspiring new book

Rory Cellan-Jones: Ruskin Park: Sylvia, Me and the BBC
A compelling journey of discovery from broadcaster, podcaster and rescue dog tweeter @Ruskin147

Queen’s Park Voices
Local poets and writers discuss their work and pieces written for the festival
Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm

Michel Roux: At Home
Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux reveals the joy of cooking simple and delicious French meals at home

Granta Best of Young British Novelists
Three award winning authors of different generations discuss their work

Whispering Walls
Poet, scholar and novelist Choman Hardi in conversation with Shyama Perera
Saturday 2 September, 4:00pm

NHS at 75: How will healthcare look in the next decades?
Isabel Hardman, Henry Marsh and Hugh Pym in discussion


Tell Me Who I Am: Marcus and Alex Lewis with Louise Chunn
Queen’s Park locals discuss their groundbreaking documentary and book
Saturday 2 September, 5:30pm

Sebastian Faulks
The best-selling novelist talks about his thought-provoking new book The Seventh Son

Sunday 3 September, 1:00pm

Uneasy Inheritances: Polly Toynbee & Melissa Benn
Two writers from well-known radical families debate the politics of privilege and dissent

Race, culture, identity: Tomiwa Owolade, Kenan Malik
Two outstanding writers challenge our understanding of race in Britain today

Sunday 3 September, 2:30pm

Inside Stories of 21st Century Diplomacy: Catherine Ashton
A former senior diplomat speaks about European history and politics

Matt Adlard: Bake It Better
The baking star shares his methods for mastering your baking techniques

Sunday 3 September, 4:00pm

Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad: Daniel Finkelstein
The celebrated political columnist and commentator reveals a powerful family memoir

Ayòbámi Adébáyò and Stephen Buoro
Two young authors of Nigerian heritage talk about their new novels

A Matter of Grave Concern
Discover the weird and wonderful history of our local burial grounds
Sunday 3 September, 5:30pm

The Fraud: Zadie Smith
Queen’s Park resident Zadie Smith returns to the festival with her new novel
