The Idler festival returns to Hampstead this summer with a line-up including Irvine Welsh, podcaster Adam Buxton, comic Sindhu Vee, and design queen Kath Kidston.
Devoted to the ethos of idling, alongside "fun, freedom and fulfilment" the magazine stages an annual arts and lit fest in the house and gardens of 17th Century Fenton House.
Every year they create the atmosphere of a weekend garden party at the National Trust property, with a feast of comedy, "life-enriching talks and debates," workshops, dancing, "music and merriment."
Comedy actor Sally Phillips, veteran stand up Arthur Smith, musician Arthur Jeffes, and poet Murray Lachlan Young will also appear over the weekend of July 7-9.
Many of the activities offered at the Notting Hill-based Idler Academy will be on the bill, including agony aunts, tarot readings, harmonica, philosophy, bibliotherapy and bee-keeping.
Trainspotting novelist Irvine Welsh will be in conversation with Idler founder Tom Hodgkinson, while Kidston will discuss 'Business for Bohemians,' and Anil Seth will speak on neuroscience.
Sindhu Vee, who hails from nearby St John's Wood and has appeared on Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo, will offer some laughter on a summer's day.
The weekend runs over July 7-9 with the communal 'Big Idler Picnic' on Friday night. Tickets for The Idler Festival are on sale with day tickets £50-£60, and weekend tickets £135. https://www.idler.co.uk/product/idler-festival-tickets/
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