1. Pre-Festival event – Tuesday September 7th: Waterstones Local Authors Party 2021
On the eve of the Festival, Torin Douglas and Jo James showcase the wealth of local talent that Chiswick has to offer. 20 authors each have just two minutes to speak about their book, making this a fast-paced, fun and fascinating evening. Presentations are expected to start at 7.15pm, with doors opening at 6.45pm. See the lineup here.
6.45 for 7.15pm: Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road (opposite Waterstones). £5, including first drink
2. Main Festival weekend at The George IV
The events at the George IV on the main Festival weekend will be introduced by Bridget Osborne, editor of The Chiswick Calendar.
– Saturday September 11th
10am: The Duke of Windsor: Traitor King – Andrew Lownie
Historian Andrew Lownie discusses the revelations in his book which follows events in the years after the abdication of Edward VIII. Drawing on extensive research into hitherto unused archives, it tells the story of a royal exiled with his wife, turning his back on duty, his family and using his position for financial gain. Chaired by Caroline Raphael.
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £8
12pm: Finding Home – Louise Hare and Luan Goldie
Join debut novelist Louise Hare (This Lovely City) and Costa Short Story Award winner Luan Goldie(Homecoming), as they talk about their new books exploring the experience of belonging to Cathy Rentzenbrink.
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £8
2pm: Inheriting a Manuscript – Samantha Norman
Samantha Norman shares the challenges of writing her novels Winter Siege and Death and the Maiden, started by her mother, the historical novelist Ariana Franklin. Chaired by Amelia Fairney.
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £8
4pm: Westminster Secrets: Andrew Mitchell MP
Former Government minister Andrew Mitchell unveils his political memoir Beyond A Fringe, filled with hilarious anecdotes and insider gossip from the heart of Westminster including his candid account of the ‘Plebgate’ fiasco. Chaired by Jo Coburn.
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £8
– Sunday September 12th
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
12:15-1pm: Meet Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking: Storytelling Performance by Sofie Miller
A playful and quirky one-woman storytelling performance with audience participation, to introduce children to ‘the strongest girl in the world’ – who has just celebrated her 75th birthday! Age 4+. Supported by Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £3
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
2-3pm: Neal Zetter and Joshua Seigal: Performance poets
Join award winning children’s authors and poets Neal Zetter and Joshua Seigal for a joint hour of fun. Age 5-11 years.
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £3
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
4-4:45pm: Rob Biddulph: Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City
Join Guinness World Record-breaking, award-winning and bestselling author/ illustrator Rob Biddulph and hear about Peanut Jones, the first book in a new series. Age 9+. Supported by Orchard House School.
Boston Room, George IV, Chiswick High Road, £3