Nearly 2,000 Attend Second Ealing Book Festival
Organisers say event exceeded all expectations
Hanif Kureishi (left) is assisted to read from his new book. Picture: Ealing Book Festival
May 8, 2025
The second ever Ealing Book Festival has been hailed as a huge success with audiences up by nearly 50% compared with the inaugural event.
The organisers estimate that total attendance across the four days from Thursday 24 April to Sunday 27 April was around 1,900.
Visitors congregated at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery and the University of West London for the programme including talks with authors, walking tours, workshops, a local authors’ showcase, poetry recitals, and a children’s poetry and illustration competition.
This year’s Festival showcased a diverse array of literary talent, encompassing established and emerging fiction authors, including Hanif Kureishi, Elif Shafak, Andrew O’Hagan, Tracy Chevalier, Abi Daré and Natasha Brown.
After appearing at the Festival, author Hanif Kureishi, who spoke about his memoir Shattered, commented, “It was a great occasion with a lovely audience.”
In addition, the programme encompassed discussions with renowned non-fiction authors including chief art critic of the Observer Laura Cumming, legendary music producer, writer and record label boss Joe Boyd, award-winning historian Anne Sebba, architect and designer Ben Pentreath, and suburban chronicler Simon Pollock. Guardian correspondent Lanre Bakare participated in the inaugural Huntley Archive Talk, which celebrated the pioneering work of Eric and Jessica Huntley who founded one of Britain's first Black bookshops in West Ealing 50 years ago.
Author Anna Sebba, who was talking about her book The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz, said, “Thank you for inviting me to be part of your brilliant and beautiful festival. It was a wonderful experience.”
Poetry was well represented by Roger McGough, who has published over 100 poetry books for adults and children; a creative poetry workshop with local poet and artist Narvir Singh; and roving poetry performances by James Pendle.
Andrew O'Hagan reads from his book. Picture: Roger Green
The Festival programme included a local authors showcase attended by 20 published authors and led by literature champion and Capital Xtra DJ Jojo Silva; a workshop about the journey to publication with Curtis Brown literary agent Gordon Wise, bestselling novelist Alex Gerlis, debut author Nussaibah Younis and Simon & Schuster UK publicity director Sabah Khan; and the ever popular Ealing Book Festival Guided Walk.
Bestselling author and Ealing resident Sam Copeland and author and illustrator Steve Antony led children’s events. In addition, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, who grew up in Ealing, led the first Ealing Book Festival Schools’ Event at the University of West London which was attended by 170 local primary school children and their teachers, with other primary schools joining virtually.
The awards ceremony for the Ealing Book Festival Children’s Poetry and Illustration Competition was also held, which the Mayor of Ealing attended alongside the shortlisted young poets and illustrators. The winning entries will be displayed at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.
Reflecting on the 2025 festival, Catherine Jaquiss, Chair, Ealing Book Festival, said: “We had aimed to build on the success of the inaugural 2024 Ealing Book Festival, but this year’s festival exceeded all our expectations. From the outstanding lineup of established and emerging writers to the incredible support from our local community, partners, sponsors, and volunteers, we couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved.
“Many of this year’s events sold out, once again confirming the growing enthusiasm for Ealing Book Festival. We take great pride in delighting audiences with our inspiring programme that celebrates the written word in all its forms and reflects the rich diversity of our vibrant borough, bringing together writers, readers, and cultural lovers from across West London and beyond.
“This is a volunteer-led event, and we’re deeply grateful to our 51 volunteers who generously gave their time to make it happen. With the 2025 festival now complete, we’re already turning our thoughts to the next edition. We’re incredibly excited for Ealing Book Festival 2026 and will have more details to share soon.”
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is at Ealing Green, (W5 5EQ).
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