The line-up for the sixth Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival has been announced, with a packed three-day programme of author talks, workshops, walks and children’s events. Lord Charles Spencer, Tanya Byron, Antonia Fraser, Dan Freedman Lynne Reid Banks and Penny Vincenzi are among the writers and interviewers at this year’s festival which runs from September 14 to 16 at Ivy House, Golders Green.

The London Jewish Cultural Centre in partnership with the Ham&High the has put together more than 70 literary events in fields ranging from history and politics to food, biography, romance and crime.

Carolyn Black, the festival’s director, said she was delighted this year heralded a partnership with Waterstones which will provide an onsite bookshop: “This is one of the most exciting moments in the year for us. Months of planning and programming come to a head as booking opens, the website goes live, the printed programmes start to spread across London and social media begins to hum with comments and activity. We have scheduled events to suit the widest range of interests and literary tastes and look forward to welcoming readers of all ages to a fantastic three days with speakers, workshops, walks and new writer opportunities. The wonderful thing about the Hampstead community is that they will let us know what they think. We hope that readers across London will follow us on Twitter at HHLiteraryFest and join us in September.”

Ham&High editor Geoff Martin added: “The festival epitomises the rich cultural life of Hampstead and Highgate that we have come to treasure, and from small beginnings, it reached a landmark fifth anniversary last year.

“The addition of a children’s mini festival was a great success and I am glad to see it back again. It continues to amaze me that the programme gets stronger every year and I look forward to being at Ivy House this year.”

Privilege

Hampstead Garden Suburb resident and author Richard Madeley, who has done much to promote reading via his Richard and Judy’s Book Club, said: “As a book lover, it’s fantastic to have a three-day literary festival within walking distance of my front door. Who needs to travel across the country in search of writers and great literature when Ivy House is on the doorstep, full to the rafters with authors, poets, journalists, politicians, academics and creative writing workshops? It’s a privilege to have the festival so close to home and I hope the community will take full advantage of the opportunity.”

For tickets and information, call 020 8511 7900 or visit hamhighlitfest.com.