Alan Bennett, Michael Palin and Michal Husain are lined up to speak at this year's Queen's Park Book Festival.
A huge range of established and emerging writing talent will gather in the North West London park over the weekend of August 31 and September 1st for the annual lit fest.
As well as big name author talks by the likes of Elif Shafak, Howard Jacobson and Andrew O'Hagan, there is comedy from Steve Best and Esther Manito, and children's events including Jim Smith launching his graphic novel series My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary.
The festival is known for combining the charm of a village fete with some of the most prestigious literary names, and an inspiring programme of events and speakers.
Topics up for discussion include fiction, memoir, performance poetry, current affairs, history and cookery with Radio 4 Today Programme presenter Husain discussing her book Broken Threads: My Family From Empire to Independence, and author Kate Weinberg talking to local actor Jason Isaacs about her book on long Covid.
Primrose Hill playwright and diarist Alan Bennett, whose works include Talking Heads, The History Boys and The Lady in the Van, appears on Saturday alongside documentary makers Adam Low and Martin Rosenbaum to discuss his life, and forthcoming BBC documentary celebrating his 90th birthday.
On Sunday, another diarist, Gospel Oak resident Michael Palin will discuss his latest book with travel writer Colin Thubron which uncovers the life of his great-uncle, who died in the trenches of Northern France.
Having never meet him, Michael went in search of answers through family gossip, letters and historical documents and his tribute to Great-Uncle Harry blends biography, history, travelogue and personal memoir.
Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas will unpack the idea of England as a potent force in culture and politics, as set out in her new book Another England.
In conversation with Queen's Park resident and author Melissa Benn, Lucas suggests England has been co-opted by cheerleaders for Brexit and imperial nostalgia - and that there are other stories of Englishness (the Chartists, the Diggers and the Suffragettes) as important as those of Nelson and Churchill.
Elif Shafak will discuss her new novel There Are Rivers in the Sky - the story of one lost poem, two great rivers, and three remarkable lives, that moves from ancient Nineveh to Victorian London, and modern Turkey.
Food lovers can enjoy Observer restaurant critic, and broadcaster Jay Rayner looking back on 25 years of reviewing restaurants in his new book Nights Out at Home in which he gives delicious recipes, inspired by the best chefs in the world.
Family fun includes an interactive event with bestselling author and comics creator Jim Smith featuring readings, draw-along, tips for crafting comics and a Q&A. On Sunday, comic artist Joe Todd-Stanton will share the story behind his Brownstone’s Mythical Collection series and the monsters within, giving children the chance to make their very own creations.
The free Community Tent includes an array of talent with Queen’s Park Voices hosted by writer and broadcaster Marina Cantacuzino and featuring local writers and poets Clare Starling, Hilde Rapp and Joyanna Lovelock.
Meanwhile the festival's Saturday night comedy returns with a line up featuring Cally Beaton, Steve Best, Esther Manito and Mark Maier.
Queen’s Park Festival Director Thomas du Plessis said, “I am thrilled that the festival will be once again delivering an incredible line up of stand-out voices as well as championing local talent through our free to access community events.
"Bringing together the best literary minds, whether established or emerging artists, to celebrate the written word, is the very ethos behind the festival.
“We are also excited to be continuing our Queen’s Park Book Festival Comedy Night on Saturday evening – which demonstrates the festival’s continued growth and expansion as we look to deliver ever-more variety to our offering.
“We continue our mission of nurturing a cultural community that celebrates the rich literary heritage of Queen’s Park and look forward to welcoming new and returning audiences this summer.”
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