2024 Programme

Discover a wonderful programme of fantastic events in fiction, science, politics, art, journalism, current affairs, food, children's events and more...

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Saturday 31 August 11:30am

Children
Jim Smith: My Big Fat Smelly Event

Jim Smith: My Big Fat Smelly Event

Children Aged 7+

Saturday 31 August 1:00pm

Venki Ramakrishnan: Why We Die - The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality

Venki Ramakrishnan: Why We Die - The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality

The Nobel Prize-winning biologist in discussion with BBC Health Editor Hugh Pym
Aamna Mohdin: Scattered -The making and unmaking of a refugee

Aamna Mohdin: Scattered -The making and unmaking of a refugee

An investigation into the consequences of displacement, in conversation with journalist and broadcaster Georgina Godwin
Queen's Park Voices

Queen's Park Voices

Featuring local poets and hosted by writer and broadcaster Marina Cantacuzino

Saturday 31 August 2:30pm

Elif Shafak: There are Rivers in the Sky

Elif Shafak: There are Rivers in the Sky

The bestseling author returns to QPBF with her new novel, in discussion with Claire Armitstead
Jay Rayner: Nights Out at Home

Jay Rayner: Nights Out at Home

A celebration of good food with the acclaimed restaurant critic, in conversation with Ed Cumming
What I Learned in Bed

What I Learned in Bed

Kate Weinberg & Jason Isaacs

Saturday 31 August 4:00 pm

Caroline Lucas: How to Reclaim Our National Story

Caroline Lucas: How to Reclaim Our National Story

The former Green Party leader combines literature and politics, in discussion with Melissa Benn
Laura Cumming: Thunderclap - a memoir of art and life & sudden death

Laura Cumming: Thunderclap - a memoir of art and life & sudden death

Shortlisted for the 2024 Women's Prize for Non Fiction. In discussion with Thomas du Plessis
Can Robots Write Bestsellers?

Can Robots Write Bestsellers?

Sophie Deen & Andy Stanton with Pathman Ruthirapathy

Saturday 31 August 5:30 pm

Alan Bennett: The Playwright and Diarist at 90

Alan Bennett: The Playwright and Diarist at 90

An exclusive event for QPBF with Adam Low and Martin Rosenbaum
In Pursuit of Everything

In Pursuit of Everything

Melanie Cantor & Stacey Duguid with Alice Bhandhukravi

Saturday 31 August 7:00 pm

Comedy Night

Comedy Night

Cally Beaton, Steve Best, Esther Manito, Mark Maier (MC)

Sunday 1 September 11:30am

Children
Joe Todd-Stanton: A mythical monster exploration

Joe Todd-Stanton: A mythical monster exploration

Children Aged 5+

Sunday 1 September 1:00 pm

Howard Jacobson: What Will Survive of Us

Howard Jacobson: What Will Survive of Us

The award-winning author discusses his new novel with John Mullan
Daisy Dunn: A New History of the Ancient World Through the Women Who Shaped It

Daisy Dunn: A New History of the Ancient World Through the Women Who Shaped It

A new history of the ancient world, in conversation with Natalie Haynes
Local Legend: Chrys Salt MBE

Local Legend: Chrys Salt MBE

With Annette Badland

Sunday 1 September 2:30 pm

Mishal Husain: My Family From Empire To Independence

Mishal Husain: My Family From Empire To Independence

An extraordinary family memoir from acclaimed newsreader and journalist, Mishal Husain
Debut Fiction: Fiona Williams & Amy Twigg

Debut Fiction: Fiona Williams & Amy Twigg

Two debut novelists share their books with Claire Armitstead
Writing Memory: Three local writers recall their childhood in Africa

Writing Memory: Three local writers recall their childhood in Africa

Jane Bryce, Veronique Tadjo & Nicholas Rankin in discussion with Shyama Perera

Sunday 1 September 4:00 pm

Andrew O'Hagan: Caledonian Road

Andrew O'Hagan: Caledonian Road

The acclaimed author returns to QPBF in conversation with Derek Johns
Susanna Rustin: A History of British Feminism

Susanna Rustin: A History of British Feminism

A radical retelling of British Feminism, in conversation with Louise Chunn
The Big What! Local Performance Poets

The Big What! Local Performance Poets

Hosted by Poetcurious, featuring Soft Spoken, Sharmay Mitchell and Sana El-Wakili

Sunday 1 September 5:30 pm

Michael Palin: Great-Uncle Harry

Michael Palin: Great-Uncle Harry

The acclaimed actor, writer and presenter, in discussion with Colin Thubron
Bright Stars of Black British History

Bright Stars of Black British History

Joanna Brown & Fee Mak