Ealing Book Festival 2027 Expands to Six Days After Record-Breaking Year |
Book lovers across West London have something special to look forward to as Ealing Book Festival announces an expanded six-day programme for 2027, bringing celebrated authors, emerging writers and family activities to the borough.
The fourth annual festival will run from Tuesday 27 April to Sunday 2 May 2027, following a week of schools and community events beginning Monday 19 April. The expansion follows the festival's most successful year yet, with more than 3,400 people attending 27 events in 2026.
A Growing Celebration of Books and IdeasSince launching in 2024, Ealing Book Festival has steadily expanded, growing from three days in its first year to four in 2025 and five in 2026. The latest announcement marks another milestone for an event that has already attracted more than 6,500 visitors across its first three editions.
The 2027 programme is expected to feature author talks, panel discussions, workshops, family activities and the popular Local Authors' Showcase.
Previous festivals have welcomed acclaimed writers including Elif Shafak, William Boyd, Hanif Kureishi, Anthony Horowitz, Jung Chang and Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton.
The main festival will return to three established venues around Ealing Broadway: the University of West London, Questors Theatre and Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.
Bringing Literature to Young PeopleThe celebrations will extend beyond the main festival venues. A week of schools and community activities, beginning 19 April, will encourage children and young people to explore storytelling, creative writing and communication.
A dedicated Children's Day is planned for Saturday 24 April in Southall, helping bring the festival to families beyond Ealing Broadway.
The festival's schools programme also includes an oracy project designed to help primary pupils develop confidence in speaking, storytelling and performance. Participating schools will have an opportunity to celebrate their work at the University of West London on 21 April.
These activities reflect the festival's ambition to make literature accessible to more people, including young readers and aspiring writers across Ealing's seven towns.
Building on a Successful 2026 FestivalThe 2026 festival featured 27 events and welcomed more than 3,400 visitors, including participants in school and family activities. More than 70 writers applied to participate in its Local Authors' Showcase, highlighting the strength of literary talent within the borough.
Festival chair Catherine Jaquiss welcomed the continued growth, describing the forthcoming edition as another opportunity to celebrate literature, culture and community.
The full 2027 programme, including participating authors and ticket information, is expected in February.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen is Ealing Book Festival 2027? The main festival runs from 27 April to 2 May 2027. Schools and community activities begin on 19 April.
Where will the festival take place? Main events will be held at the University of West London, Questors Theatre and Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Additional activities are planned across the borough.
When will tickets be available? Tickets and the full programme are expected to be released in February 2027.
Will there be activities for children? Yes. Plans include school storytelling activities and a dedicated Children's Day in Southall on 24 April.
Find Out MoreVisit the official Ealing Book Festival website for programme announcements, ticket information and festival updates.
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It's lovely to see the festival growing, six days should give more people a chance to attend something.
Nice to see Southall included, though I'd love to see events in more of Ealing's seven towns too.
I hope some of the talks are affordable. Six days of events could get expensive for a family.
The speaking project for primary pupils is a good idea. Some children really come alive when they get to tell a story.
More than 70 writers applied for the local showcase? I'd like to see more of them get a chance this time.
My daughter enjoyed one of the family sessions last year, so I'm pleased there'll be more for younger readers.
Six days sounds ambitious after 3,400 visitors last year. I hope they can keep the smaller events feeling welcoming.
The talks at Pitzhanger are always a treat. I'll be looking out for the author list when it comes out in February.
I'm glad Children's Day is happening in Southall. Families there shouldn't have to travel to Ealing Broadway for everything.
It's lovely to see the festival growing each year, and the schools activities should help get more children interested in books.