London’s leading arts and culture festival, Wimbledon BookFest, has announced an exciting expanded programme of events for children and families this autumn. The line-up features captivating new stories and beloved classics, including interactive draw-a-longs, storytelling sessions, and performances. Special guests include renowned authors and illustrators such as Tọlá Okogwu, Jonny Duddle, Benji Davies, Debi Gliori and Chie Kutsuwada. Whether you're looking for inspiring new reads or fun-filled activities, this year’s BookFest is sure to spark imaginations and bring stories to life for audiences of all ages!

Big Dreams Early Year Theatre Festival (28-29 September)
Wimbledon BookFest has partnered with award-winning children’s theatre Polka Theatre for a celebration of picture books at the Big Dreams Festival. Author and illustrator Benji Davies hosts a fun session based on his much-loved Storm Whale stories while Jonny Duddle offers a dinosaur doodling adventure in celebration of his new book How to Draw Dinosaurs. Tọlá Okogwu shares her enchanting story about overcoming night-time fears through the power of love and friendship, Bekah and the Moon, and Debi Gliori presents her timeless classic picture book No Matter What.

Wimbledon BookFest’s annual Autumn Festival (17-27 October)
Events for children at Wimbledon BookFest’s annual Autumn Festival including storyteller Liz Fost’s interactive event based on the classic picture book Dragons Love Underpants and Manga artist Chie Kutsuwada’s 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café draw-along taking place on Saturday 19 October. For older children, engineer and author Subhadra Das and historian and author Roma Agrawal perform their enlightening and entertaining family friendly comedy show about history, science and innovation, Uncle was Right! on Sunday 20 October.

An inclusive celebration of books and culture, Wimbledon BookFest’s year-round community focused calendar of special events has included collaborations with local partners including King’s Arts, New Wimbledon Theatre, Merton Libraries and University of Roehampton to broaden audience reach and offer cultural access for all. Wimbledon Bookfest’s annual Autumn festival will run from 17-27 October in venues across Central Wimbledon.

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