North London Book Fest returns to Ally Pally this spring

The four-day festival brings together a “stellar roster of headliners”

Books (credit Gulfer Ergin via Unsplash) — Photo by Gülfer ERGİN on Unsplash

North London Book Fest is returning to Alexandra Palace this spring.

After launching as London’s newest book festival in 2024, the event will be returning to Haringey on Thursday, 23rd April and running until Sunday, 26th April.

Set once again in the palace’s Grade 2-listed East Wing, the four-day festival brings together a “stellar roster of headliners” with confirmed guests including Alan Hollinghurst, Tessa Hadley, Natalie Haynes, Michael Rosen, Ben Aaronovitch, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, Jeffrey Boakye, Laura Bates, Natasha Brown, Rachel Parris and more.

Events will take place across the Alexandra Palace Theatre, Creativity Pavilion and Transmitter Hall, offering a “varied programme of author conversations, readings, panel discussions, workshops and book signings”.

Curated to appeal to readers of all ages, genres and interests, North London Book Fest will celebrate the UK’s literary scene.

Audiences can enjoy everything from “deep dives into contemporary fiction and urban fantasy, to talks by leading children’s authors, and lively discussions on themes ranging from midlife to history, and identity to social change” including sessions with journalist Kate Muir and author Charlotte Mendelson.

Mark Civil, joint festival director and head of creative learning at Alexandra Palace, said: “The North London Book Fest offers something for readers of every generation. From the acclaimed ‘writer’s writer’ Tessa Hadley to Booker Prize-winner Alan Hollinghurst, and Natasha Brown, one of Granta’s ‘Best of Young British Novelists’ (2023).

“Young visitors can craft poetic verses about creepy crawlies and dinosaurs with Simon Mole, dress up as great women from history with suffragette descendant Kate Pankhurst, and join Onjali Q. Raúf for an inspiring workshop on writing and activism.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Michael Rosen for his 80th birthday tour, along with Laura Bates, whose appearances were firm favourites at our inaugural festival.”

Kate Ereira, joint festival director, added: “The 2024 North London Book Fest confirmed our belief that North London is the natural home for a vibrant and diverse literary celebration, and it’s a joy to see the event grow. This year’s programme truly has something for everyone, from fans of Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London to lovers of the Hampstead Ladies’ Pond, explored by Nell Frizzell.

“Pride and Prejudice fans can dive deeper into Austen’s world with the brilliantly entertaining Rachel Parris, while Greek-myth enthusiasts can join rock-star mythologist Natalie Haynes as she returns to Alexandra Palace Theatre. We can’t wait to welcome readers of all ages back to Alexandra Palace to enjoy a lively and varied festival.”

Alexandra Palace chief executive Emma Dagnes OBE added: “Our learning activities are central to everything we do, working hand in hand with our much-loved events to make the arts open to everyone. Bringing people together at the Palace to share the joy of books and the stories behind them is something we truly cherish. We can’t wait to see
everyone in April.”

North London Book Fest is supported by Waterstones, which will run the on-site bookshop, with funding provided by Tottenham Grammar School Foundation and Haringey Council.

The festival edition coincides with the finale of Biblio-Buzz, Alexandra Palace’s annual children’s book award, which will bring up to 800 young people to the Alexandra Palace Theatre on Friday, 24th April.

Alongside the literary programme, visitors can enjoy performances in the festival village from emerging musicians, spoken-word artists, stand-ups, and a wide range of learning and engagement activities for children and families.

Tickets need to be bought for individual festival events. For more information:
Visit alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/north-london-book-festival

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.