Ealing Book Festival Celebrates Another Record Year

With 3,400 visitors, sell-out events and a surge in local literary talent

Jung Chang returned to the University of West London

May 19, 2026

The Ealing Book Festival has marked its most successful year yet, drawing more than 3,400 visitors across a five-day programme that brought internationally acclaimed writers, rising literary stars and a record number of local authors to venues across the area.

Now in its third year, the 2026 Festival almost doubled last year’s ticket sales, with nearly 3,000 tickets sold and a further 300 pupils and teachers taking part in dedicated schools’ events. The expanded programme featured 27 events, including three for Ealing schools, and culminated in a lively Family Day at Southall’s Dominion Centre on 9 May.

The public programme opened to a packed auditorium at the University of West London, where celebrated author Jung Chang — an alumna of the university — delivered a sell-out event that set the tone for a festival defined by high demand and enthusiastic audiences. Her appearance was one of several major sessions hosted at UWL, which this year staged 11 events, including the Festival’s largest audiences to date.

Another UWL highlight was a sold-out event with William Boyd, the best-selling novelist whose appearance drew readers from across West London.

William Boyd's appearance was another sell-out event

The Festival continued its commitment to platforming new and diverse voices. Rising star Oyinkan Braithwaite, whose debut novel has earned widespread acclaim, appeared in conversation with fellow author Abi Daré, drawing a notably young and engaged audience.

Oyinkan Braithwaite in conversation with fellow author Abi Daré

Across the programme, established names such as Anthony Horowitz, Andrew Graham-Dixon, Simon Jenkins, Alan Johnson, Robert Macfarlane, Blake Morrison, Mary Portas and John Robb brought a wide range of literary, artistic and cultural perspectives. Their events — many of them close to or at capacity — underscored the Festival’s growing reputation as a major stop on London’s literary calendar.

One of the Festival’s most cherished traditions, the Local Authors’ Showcase, returned with exceptional demand. This year, 70 writers applied for just 20 places, making it the most competitive selection process yet. The Showcase, held at UWL and compered by Jojo Silva, drew a warm and enthusiastic audience. A group photograph of the 20 selected authors captured the spirit of a borough rich in creative talent.

The Local Authors’ Showcase underwent the most competitive selection process yet

Local writers also featured prominently at the inaugural Family Day in Southall, where nine authors and poet-artist Narvir Singh took part in workshops, readings and interactive sessions.

For the first time, the Festival expanded into Questors Theatre in Ealing Broadway, hosting major talks by Andrew Graham-Dixon and Simon Jenkins, an in-conversation between Alan Johnson and Ealing resident John Sergeant, and a lively family event with Stephen and Anita Mangan.

The final weekend brought two culturally focused events to Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, where Lucy Steeds discussed her debut novel The Artist and Dan Cruickshank explored the evolution of the English house.

Four guided literary walks led by Alan Fortune and Elaine Wein once again proved popular, while roving poet James Pendle entertained audiences throughout the week.

Authors were effusive in their praise for the Festival.

“It can prove difficult to run a successful book festival in London so I’m delighted to see that Ealing Book Festival is going from strength to strength,” said Simon Jenkins.

“It was a great festival. Lovely location, really well organised, great people,” added Alan Johnson.

Robert Macfarlane described his event as “superbly run and well attended”, while Lucy Steeds thanked audiences for “a warm, curious and enthusiastic afternoon of all the best things: art, books and good people.”

Festival Chair Catherine Jaquiss said the team was “delighted with the positive response from authors, audiences and schools,” adding that new partnerships and expanded programming had helped bring “the joy of books to audiences across Ealing and beyond.”

She paid tribute to the Festival’s funders, partners and volunteers, whose support “ensures that the Festival continues to be a success.”