Literature

Queen's Park book festival is holding its ninth and final edition in September.

Final chapter for popular book festival after a decade in north London park

Rahaf Osman's tale features in the UK's first nationally curated child-led anthology, Our Stories Our World

Rahaf Osman's tale features in the UK's first nationally curated child-led anthology, Our Stories Our World

Islington seven-year-old becomes published author in UK anthology

Richard Smith with the cake made by Dunns

Richard Smith with the cake made by Dunns

Meet the north London TikTok vinyl expert who published his first novel in his 70s

Anton Lesser who appeared in the BBC's Wolf Hall will appear at a Wolf Hall concert during the opening weekend of Proms at St Jude's 2026

Anton Lesser who appeared in the BBC's Wolf Hall will appear at a Wolf Hall concert during the opening weekend of Proms at St Jude's 2026

Hampstead Garden Suburb

North London's 'world class' summer arts festival gets underway this weekend

Edward Arthur Guinness, whose relative gifted Kenwood House to the nation, has written a book about his famous brewing family and will appear at the Proms at St Jude's Lit Fest in June.

Edward Arthur Guinness, whose relative gifted Kenwood House to the nation, has written a book about his famous brewing family and will appear at the Proms at St Jude's Lit Fest in June.

Hampstead Garden Suburb

Guinness heir talks about famous brewing family at Hampstead book festival

Of Books and Love - Sabrina Malih, Owner

Of Books and Love - Sabrina Malih, Owner

The three London bookshops named champions in their field

Simon Armitage at London Zoo

Simon Armitage at London Zoo

Poet Laureate writes poem to celebrate London Zoo's 200th anniversary

The runners up from the 2026 Roundhouse Poetry Slam

The runners up from the 2026 Roundhouse Poetry Slam

London poet wins slam at iconic Camden music venue

Michael Rosen who celebrates his 80th birthday on May 7 has been awarded the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for his contribution to children's literature.

Michael Rosen who celebrates his 80th birthday on May 7 has been awarded the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award for his contribution to children's literature.

Michael Rosen wins major award - but missed announcement due to 'expired passport'

London writer wins book award for story about restaurant owner's bad day

Anton Lesser who appeared in the BBC's Wolf Hall will star at Proms at St Jude's 2026

Anton Lesser who appeared in the BBC's Wolf Hall will star at Proms at St Jude's 2026

Hampstead Garden Suburb

'World class' Hampstead arts festival is back - and here's the line-up

Pupils from West Hampstead Primary School showed their love of reading on World Book Day (Image: WHPS)

Pupils from West Hampstead Primary School showed their love of reading on World Book Day (Image: WHPS)

Education Matters

The Hampstead school that welcomed a bestselling writer

Reading socially encourages young people to ready for fun (Image: Channing School)

Reading socially encourages young people to ready for fun (Image: Channing School)

Education Matters

Channing School

The school that found a way to get teenagers reading for pleasure

Kentish Town mother of two Philippa Found has published a book of love confessions called It's Complicated.

Kentish Town mother of two Philippa Found has published a book of love confessions called It's Complicated.

Valentine's Day

Billboard love confessions bust the myths behind Valentine's Day

Sir John Betjeman was appointed Poet Laureate in 1972, succeeding the late Cecil Day-Lewis.

Sir John Betjeman was appointed Poet Laureate in 1972, succeeding the late Cecil Day-Lewis.

The Highgate poet who saved a London train station and had a pub named after him

North London Book Fest returns to Alexandra Palace with star-studded lineup

North London Book Fest returns to Alexandra Palace with star-studded lineup

Famous writers to appear at Alexandra Palace book festival

Sean Gilbert lands book deal after five-minute reading at Jewish Book Week

Sean Gilbert lands book deal after five-minute reading at Jewish Book Week

North London writer's tale of homicidal couple who go on holiday to save marriage

TV star and children's author David Walliams is set to appear at the new Circle & Star theatre in Hampstead in January to give readings of his books and answer questions from young fans.

TV star and children's author David Walliams is set to appear at the new Circle & Star theatre in Hampstead in January to give readings of his books and answer questions from young fans.

David Walliams children's event set to go ahead as comedian cancelled

Crescent Brass performed at the opening of Hornsey Town Hall (Image: David Winskill)

Crescent Brass performed at the opening of Hornsey Town Hall (Image: David Winskill)

Crouch End Festival

The things that brought joy and pride in Crouch End in 2025

Charles Dickens as photographed by Herbert Watkins, 1858

Charles Dickens as photographed by Herbert Watkins, 1858

Charles Dickens

A Christmas walk following Dickens and Bob Cratchit through Camden and the City

Lynedoch Street in Shoreditch was built in the 1860s but demolished in 1938 when the area was redeveloped.

Lynedoch Street in Shoreditch was built in the 1860s but demolished in 1938 when the area was redeveloped.

The lost East End street that is now buried under a busy hospital

An image of 78-82 Parkhill Road, Belsize Park in 1920 as featured in the book Panoramas of Lost London, and the same view today.

An image of 78-82 Parkhill Road, Belsize Park in 1920 as featured in the book Panoramas of Lost London, and the same view today.

Photo captures changing face of pretty north London area loved by artists

Sophie Kinsella at the 2015 Costa Book Awards at Quaglino's, London

Sophie Kinsella at the 2015 Costa Book Awards at Quaglino's, London

Sophie Kinsella 'a beautiful woman, a beautiful soul, a brilliant writer'

Michael Rosen begins joyful birthday tour with poems old and new

Michael Rosen begins joyful birthday tour with poems old and new

Bear Hunt writer Michael Rosen sets off on 80th birthday tour

Aaron Kossoff and girlfriend Jo Clarke feature in food influencer Milly Kenny-Ryder's book of Britain's Best Bakeries at their family bakery in Kentish Town Road.

Aaron Kossoff and girlfriend Jo Clarke feature in food influencer Milly Kenny-Ryder's book of Britain's Best Bakeries at their family bakery in Kentish Town Road.

The UK's best bakeries have been named and 11 are in north London

The bar The Euston Tap in a former Victorian lodge is all that remains of the once grand entrance to Euston Station which was demolished in 1961.

The bar The Euston Tap in a former Victorian lodge is all that remains of the once grand entrance to Euston Station which was demolished in 1961.

The grand entrance to a major London station that is lost forever

Going on a Bear Hunt duo Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury have reunited to create a festive story for The Big Issue.

Going on a Bear Hunt duo Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury have reunited to create a festive story for The Big Issue.

Bear Hunt duo's 'heart-warming' Christmas story about family and their cat

Author Philip Norman tells it all about The Beatles

Author Philip Norman tells it all about The Beatles

Author still ‘twisting and shouting’ about The Beatles 40 years later

Author Harriet Muncaster launches new fantasy series at Waterstones Finchley Road

Author Harriet Muncaster launches new fantasy series at Waterstones Finchley Road

Isadora Moon author to meet fans in London

The new lift installed at Muswell Hill library

The new lift installed at Muswell Hill library

Muswell Hill library reopens but borrowers lose a day a week

The Agatha Christie exhibition runs at The British Library next year and will feature personal letters, photographs and belongings as well as exploring adaptations of her crime novels.

The Agatha Christie exhibition runs at The British Library next year and will feature personal letters, photographs and belongings as well as exploring adaptations of her crime novels.

Major Agatha Christie exhibition announced for The British Library

Illustrator Victoria Sandoy and author Julia Donaldson dropped in to The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill on Tuesday to sign copies of Paper Chase and meet young fans.

Illustrator Victoria Sandoy and author Julia Donaldson dropped in to The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill on Tuesday to sign copies of Paper Chase and meet young fans.

Julia Donaldson meets fans as she celebrates new story at Children's Bookshop

Pupils Louis, Juno, Buzz, Noah, Arie and Norah met Bear Hunt duo Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen at Coldfall Primary School in Muswell Hill.

Pupils Louis, Juno, Buzz, Noah, Arie and Norah met Bear Hunt duo Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen at Coldfall Primary School in Muswell Hill.

Pupils get a four legged surprise as Bear Hunt duo visit their school

Julia Donaldson, who grew up in Hampstead, will be at the Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill on September 9 to sign copies of her new book.

Julia Donaldson, who grew up in Hampstead, will be at the Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill on September 9 to sign copies of her new book.

Gruffalo author returns to North London roots for book signing

Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury will launch their new children's book at Coldfall Primary School in Muswell Hill.

Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury will launch their new children's book at Coldfall Primary School in Muswell Hill.

Bear Hunt duo to launch new book at North London primary school

Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was called 'The Sage of Highgate' (Image: Highgate Scientific and Literary Institution)

Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was called 'The Sage of Highgate' (Image: Highgate Scientific and Literary Institution)

Charles Dickens

The historic footpaths where Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Charles Dickens once walked

Former Mossad spymaster Yossi Cohen talks about his revealing new memoir at JW3 in Finchley Road in September.

Former Mossad spymaster Yossi Cohen talks about his revealing new memoir at JW3 in Finchley Road in September.

North London venue to host only UK talk from former Israeli spy chief

George Orwell lived in Lawford Road, Kentish Town, where he wrote much of his novel Keep The Aspidistra Flying. The street features in the novel as Willowbed Road.

George Orwell lived in Lawford Road, Kentish Town, where he wrote much of his novel Keep The Aspidistra Flying. The street features in the novel as Willowbed Road.

The North London street where 1984 author lived - and what he thought of it

Look for the 'Story Garden' symbol for school holiday activities at the library

Look for the 'Story Garden' symbol for school holiday activities at the library

These libraries have a fascinating way to keep kids busy over the summer holidays

Actress Miriam Margolyes opened a new exhibition at The Charles Dickens Museum celebrating the adaptations of the author's work and his love of performing

Actress Miriam Margolyes opened a new exhibition at The Charles Dickens Museum celebrating the adaptations of the author's work and his love of performing

Miriam Margolyes celebrates 200 years of Dickens on stage and screen

Pop star Self Esteem curates special event day at Southbank Centre’s Literature Festival

Pop star Self Esteem curates special event day at Southbank Centre’s Literature Festival

London to host major book festivals featuring Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben

Leonie Scott-Matthews (right) founded Pentameters Theatre in 1968. Urban Pubs and Bars, which owns The Horseshoe in Hampstead, has ended the fringe theatre's lease for the upstairs room

Leonie Scott-Matthews (right) founded Pentameters Theatre in 1968. Urban Pubs and Bars, which owns The Horseshoe in Hampstead, has ended the fringe theatre's lease for the upstairs room

Comedy star steps in as landlord ends lease on London's longest-running pub theatre

Kate Summerscale has won a Crime Writers Association gold dagger for The Peepshow, her book about the murders by John Christie at 10, Rillington Place.

Kate Summerscale has won a Crime Writers Association gold dagger for The Peepshow, her book about the murders by John Christie at 10, Rillington Place.

The shocking serial killer case that led to the abolition of the death penalty

Tracy Chevalier and Michael Palin were among the authors appearing at The Proms at St Jude's lit fest in Hampstead Garden Suburb over the weekend.

Tracy Chevalier and Michael Palin were among the authors appearing at The Proms at St Jude's lit fest in Hampstead Garden Suburb over the weekend.

Hampstead Garden Suburb

Monty Python legend Michael Palin and Tracy Chevalier star at lit fest

A new book describes the battle to secure the long term future of Highgate Cemetery where George Michael and Karl Marx are buried.

A new book describes the battle to secure the long term future of Highgate Cemetery where George Michael and Karl Marx are buried.

Cemetery chief on Karl Marx, reclaiming graves, and selfie-taking George Michael fans

Muswell Hill is home to a 130 year old listed grocers shop and was the birthplace of The Kinks and Fairport Convention.

Muswell Hill is home to a 130 year old listed grocers shop and was the birthplace of The Kinks and Fairport Convention.

The north London suburb that spawned two 60s bands and the first Wetherspoons

UCS put on a production of Michael Morpurgo's novel Private Peaceful (Image: Splaat Photo/UCS)

UCS put on a production of Michael Morpurgo's novel Private Peaceful (Image: Splaat Photo/UCS)

Education Matters

Michael Morpurgo

Pupils 'dig deep' for emotion as school stages moving First World War drama

Michael Palin, Tracy Chevalier and the authors of a book on the inside story of Keir Starmer's rise to power are appearing at The Proms at St Jude's Lit Fest this weekend.

Michael Palin, Tracy Chevalier and the authors of a book on the inside story of Keir Starmer's rise to power are appearing at The Proms at St Jude's Lit Fest this weekend.

Hampstead Garden Suburb

Monty Python star and Girl With A Pearl Earring author join book festival

Sarum Hall School library is a vibrant hub of learning and imagination (Image: Sarum Hall School)

Sarum Hall School library is a vibrant hub of learning and imagination (Image: Sarum Hall School)

Education Matters

The school where bestselling authors drop in to the library

Ian Dickens, Jo Baldwin, Lucinda Dickens-Hawsley, Mark Dickens, Eddie Dickens, Debbie Dickens, Elliott Dickens-Lloyd, Gerald Dickens and Oliver Dickens outside The Dickens Museum which celebrated its 100 anniversary today (June 9).

Ian Dickens, Jo Baldwin, Lucinda Dickens-Hawsley, Mark Dickens, Eddie Dickens, Debbie Dickens, Elliott Dickens-Lloyd, Gerald Dickens and Oliver Dickens outside The Dickens Museum which celebrated its 100 anniversary today (June 9).

Family of legendary author step in as tour guides for museum centenary

L-R: Cllr Adam Harrison, Cllr Sabrina Francis and Cllr Anna Wright outside the newly refurbished Highgate Library (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

L-R: Cllr Adam Harrison, Cllr Sabrina Francis and Cllr Anna Wright outside the newly refurbished Highgate Library (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

'This summer is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of our libraries'

Nick Harkaway is writing a new Smiley novel based on his father John le Carre's iconic spy who is also brought to life in a West End adaptation of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold.

Nick Harkaway is writing a new Smiley novel based on his father John le Carre's iconic spy who is also brought to life in a West End adaptation of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold.

Le Carré's Smiley brought to life in West End play and new novel

Damian Lewis and Tony Robinson are among the star studded line up reading extracts from Shakespeare in Regent's Park.

Damian Lewis and Tony Robinson are among the star studded line up reading extracts from Shakespeare in Regent's Park.

Damian Lewis joins star studded line up reading Shakespeare in Regent's Park

John Keats wrote famous love poetry to his neighbour Fanny Brawne while living in this Hampstead house, which was saved as a museum in 1925.

John Keats wrote famous love poetry to his neighbour Fanny Brawne while living in this Hampstead house, which was saved as a museum in 1925.

Etcetera - North London arts and leisure

How historic house where legendary poet wrote great work was saved from demolition