FTWeekend Festival returns to Kenwood House on Saturday, September 2nd with a leading line-up of speakers, panel debates and interactive sessions. Spearheaded by FTWeekend’s newly appointed editor, Janine Gibson, the festival will showcase the best of FT and FTWeekend journalism and explore big ideas in politics, economics, climate and culture across ten different stages. Whether you’re a long time or first time FT reader, this is a day that's not to be missed! 

Guests can hear from presenter and podcast host Greg James on the rising popularity of podcasting, and from the award-winning creator of the hit show Succession, Jesse Armstrong, on dysfunctional dynasties. Attend a live recording of the FT’s politics podcast with Michael Gove, or hear from former chancellor of the exchequer, Alistair Darling and shadow chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves on what to expect from a future Labour government. 

Ham & High:

Leading speakers across the stages, include journalist and podcast host Fi Glover; award-winning authors Leïla Slimani and Julian Barnes, historians Simon Schama and Peter Frankopan, former M16 chief Alex Younger, Michelin-star chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, Antarctic adventurer Ben Saunders, artist Cornelia Parker, Master of Wine Julia Harding, Restaurant critic Jay Rayner, MP Jesse Norman, and comedian Markus Brigstocke. 

Festival goers will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of hands-on experiences, including a guided ceramics class with designer Henry Holland, a workshop with artist Martha Freud, and a floral masterclass with King Charles III floral designer Shane Connolly. Attendees can choose to sample a new generation of world-class rum, a selection of British cheeses or enjoy a chocolate tasting with Belgium’s pre-eminent chocolatier Pierre Marcolini. 

Ham & High:

Looking for inspiration? Join a Q&A with the FT’s legendary gardening columnist Robin Lane Fox or put style questions to a panel of experts including Rosh Mahtani, founder of Alighieri jewellery. And for those who want to test their intelligence, there will be a unique cryptic crossword puzzle which has been designed especially for the festival! 

The festival also features some of the FT's most distinguished journalists, including editor Roula Khalaf, US editor-at-large Gillian Tett, chief economics commentator Martin Wolf,

UK chief political commentator Robert Shrimsley, US national editor and columnist Ed Luce, foreign editor Alec Russell, HTSI editor Jo Ellison, and More or Less presenter, Tim Harford.

Ham & High:

Whether you’re looking to gain a fresh perspective or simply meet like-minded people, the FTWeekend festival will challenge your thinking and give you a new perspective. 

With limited passes available, make sure to book your tickets at ft.com/festival today. Use our exclusive promo code HAMHIGH to get £20 off your festival pass.