Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, in Ealing Broadway, will be hosting the much-anticipated Ealing Book Festival which is taking place between Thursday 11th and Sunday 14th April with tickets going on sale this week.
The event already promises to deliver a packed programme of exciting and varied events including discussions with nationally recognised authors as well as providing a platform for local writers to explore and present their own works. In addition, there will be panel discussions, book signings and activities for all ages, promoting reading, inspiring writers and allowing audiences of all ages to connect with book lovers.
Amongst the panellists is Lauren Child, perhaps most well known for writing the Charlie and Lola books which were later adapted into the TV show, who will be discussing her latest uplifting and beautifully illustrated addition to the Clarice Bean series. Also set to appear is internationally renowned Dame Jacqueline Wilson who will be talking about her newest spine-tingling tale about a girl who firmly believes her imaginary friend is real called “The Girl Who Wasn’t There”. Wilson is most recognised for her writing of the Tracy Beaker series which also was adapted into a hit TV series on CBBC.
In addition, former Rolling Stones bass player Bill Wyman will be giving an insight into his extraordinary career which began locally, at the legendary Ealing Jazz Club. Furthermore, he will be describing what it was like to grow up in London during the Second World War. In a similar aspect, political commentator, Daniel Finkelstein will be sharing his own experiences of his parents during the War and delving into the deeper story of ‘The Forgers’ alongside the author, Roger Moorhouse. The story, for the first time, recognises the immeasurable efforts undertaken by Polish diplomats and Jewish activists in Switzerland who masterminded a program of forging identity documents to save the lives of thousands of Jews facing the Nazi regime.
John Boyne, critically acclaimed author of “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” and The Heart’s Individual Furies” will talk about his new book “Earth” with famous Ealing resident, presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc and Eleanor Catton, the Booker Prize winner will introduce her latest psychological thriller called “Birnam Wood”.
Ealing has a rich literary history with a number of authors having connections to the area and Ealing Book Festival grew out of the idea to establish an annual celebration of literature in this part of West London. A Young People’s Poetry Competition is being run by the organisers on the topic of “Where do I live”. Poems cannot be longer than a page of A4 but can take any form the writer chooses and entries will be considered in the following age categories: 7-10, 11-13 and 14 to 16 year olds. The closing date for entries is 14 March 2024 and all those shortlisted for a prize will be invited to a prize giving on Sunday 14 April 2024 when their poems will be on show.
Overall, the event promises to be an impressive insight into the world of literature and will provide readers and writers with the opportunity to connect and explore the borough’s lively literary scene. Appealing to all ages, it is definitely worth a visit for those who have an interest in reading and English as a subject or just to explore as a cultural event. Tickets are available now at the Ealing Book Festival website at www. ealingbookfestival.com
Catherine Jaquiss, Chair, Ealing Book Festival, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer such an exciting programme for the inaugural Ealing Book Festival. The response from everyone has been remarkable and we are working hard to ensure an inspiring and diverse experience for book enthusiasts and cultural lovers alike which reflects our vibrant and diverse borough”.
