Despite the title, we wouldn't really call Wimbledon Book Fest a book fest. It's got far more going on than author talks and the odd poetry reading: try films, comedy, music and – of course – Wombles.
To start off we'll do as we're told and look at the wordy elements, which are impressive. Sebastian Faulks (pictured) closes the festival on 14 October talking to Radio 4's James Naughtie about his new novel A Possible Life. Naughtie is also around a few hours earlier divulging the lives of some prominent latter-day Elizabethans. Jenny Hartley gives an illustrated talk on Dickens's letters, Rose Tremain chats about Restoration sequel Merivel, Kate Mosse presents the final book in her Languedoc Trilogy and Margaret Drabble talks about her life and work.
MP Tom Watson will be discussing the phone hacking scandal with journalist Samira Ahmed, or you can debate the future of the book alongside a panel of experts. Or how about a whisky tasting with a man who's got a list of 101 whiskies to try before you die? (Shame the new London whisky won't be ready.) The Baker Brothers are on hand to give baking and butchery advice, and Steve Benbow about urban beekeeping, with a mini farmers' market on 13 October. The 1974 Great Gatsby film will screen on 12 October, or you could go see John Sessions narrate Don Quixote instead.
Add in plenty of events for children and you get a fantastic all-round local festival. Book fast cos tickets for some events have already completely gone.
The Wimbledon Book Fest runs 6-14 October at venues all around Wimbledon. Tickets range between £7.50-£20. For more details see the Festival website.
