Alexandra Palace launches North London Book Festival

The North London Book Fest runs at Alexandra Palace in March with headliners also including comedian and classics expert Natalie Haynes, and local children's author Andy Stanton.

It's the first time the Muswell Hill landmark has hosted a book festival, and the four day event at the palace's Theatre, Creativity Pavilion and Transmitter Hall will feature readings, Q&As, discussions, book signings, and workshops.

North London author Erin Kelly will appear at the event talking about her new thriller (Image: John Godwin)

The programme ranges from household names like the author of A Series of Unfortunate Events, to up-and-coming writers like debut novelist Leo Vardiashvili, speaking on topics ranging from crime to children's books, cook books, the environment, AI and parenting.

Alongside it are performances in the festival village by emerging musicians, spoken word artists, stand-ups, plus activities for families.

Many of those taking part are local, including Erin Kelly, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Skeleton Key and He Said She Said, who will be in conversation with fellow writer and Hampstead local Jane Fallon.

Children's author Andy Stanton, creator of the Mr Gum books, will appear at the festival talking about AI (Image: Supplied)

“I’m thrilled to be part of this new festival set in, and celebrating North London, where I live as well as write," she said.

"In the name of research I’ve walked Highgate Woods, Alexandra Park, Hampstead Heath and the towpaths of the Grand Union Canal and my latest, The House of Mirrors, takes in Camden Passage and Holloway Road. I can’t wait to connect with readers in what, let’s face it, is the very best corner of the capital."

Joint-Festival Director and Head of Creative Learning at Alexandra Palace, Mark Civil said: “We’ve had a long-held ambition to bring a literary festival to the Palace, building on sold out events hosted here in recent years by the likes of Philip Pullman, Miriam Margolyes, Quentin Tarantino and Jacqueline Wilson. We’ve also taken inspiration from the success of our Children’s Book Award to broaden our reach, welcoming authors and activities that will delight book lovers of all ages."

Lemony Snicket, the American author of A Series of Unfortunate Events, will talk about his new work Poison For Breakfast (Image: Meredith Heuer)

The North London Book Fest runs from March 21-24 and join festival director Kate Ereira said it was a "stimulating and diverse programme".

"We’ll be asking questions about AI and creativity, about parenting and about identity. We’re launching much-anticipated new titles from bestselling novelists and showcasing some of the year’s most exciting debuts, such as Leo Vardiashvili. We’ve got some of the best children’s writers giving workshops and we’ve got fiction set right in our own neighbourhood. We’re so excited for people to come and enjoy it."

The festival kicks off on March 21 courtesy of quiz book author Frank Paul and his 'Cryptic Pub Quiz Book night.

Muswell Hill children's author Michael Rosen will read from a series of children's storybooks on March 23 (Image: Supplied)

There's a Crime and Thrillers night on March 22 with Victoria Dowd, William Hussey, Charlotte Langley and Leigh Russell, Peter Hain, and Sunny Singh on the panel.

On March 23, Muswell Hill's master storyteller Michael Rosen will read from picture books for young children including The Big Dreaming, and American author Lemony Snicket will talk about his latest book Poison For Breakfast, a cautionary tale about the author's own demise.

Elsewhere Nadeine Asbali talks on being visibly Muslim in Britain, Dr Beth Mosely discusses her book Happy Families: How to protect and support your child’s Mental Health, and children's author Eve Wersocki Morris runs an interactive spooky creative writing workshop based on her books The Wildstorm Curse and The Bird Singers.

Haynes, author of Pandora's Jar and Trojan War who is behind the Radio 4 series Stand Up for the Classics appears on March 24, and Laura Bates founder of the Everyday Sexism Project confronts audiences with her first hand accounts and shocking evidence of how society fails to protect women.

Stuart Turton author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, discusses his new novel The Last Murder at The End of The World in which the last survivors of a catastrophic global event must solve a murder in race against time.

Mr Gum author Andy  Stanton talks to Robin Ince about his latest book Benny the Blue Whale: A Descent into Story, Language and the Madness of ChatGPT on March 24.

And Eleanor Ford author of The Nutmeg Trail and Fire Ireland explores cooking symbolism, and spice flavours in baking in her latest cook book A Whisper of Cardamom​.