Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) today announces programme details for the 2026 Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words (12th – 16th May), returning to the historic heart of British journalism with a vibrant five-day celebration of storytelling, debate and ideas.
Inspired by the opening lines of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, this year’s theme, The Age of Wisdom and Foolishness, explores how words shape the way we understand the world around us in today’s era of technological advancement, economic uncertainty and an evolving global conversation.
Across more than forty events, audiences will hear from bestselling authors, renowned journalists and influential thinkers including the festival’s patron, Sir Ben Okri, in addition to Hanif Kureishi, Anthony Scaramucci, Chris Steele, Sajid Javid, Sarah Vine, Fergal Keane, Larry Lamb, Caroline Wheeler, Rob Biddulph, Gyles Brandreth, Jessica Elgot, James Graham and Tom Bradby alongside the Royal Television Society, plus many more leading voices from across publishing, culture and media.
The festival spans politics and current affairs, fiction, memoir, journalism and history, reflecting Fleet Street’s long tradition as a place where ideas, stories and debate have shaped public life. Weekday programming includes breakfast news events, creative writing workshops, lunchtime panels, and both early and late evening talks, while Saturday features a packed programme of family events and interactive sessions for younger audiences.
Tickets go on sale at 11am on Friday 13th March and can be purchased via TicketSource with all information available on the Fleet Street Quarter website. The Festival of Words is proudly supported by Landsec & MYO as headline sponsors, alongside the News Media Association, Stationers’ Hall and Teneo as festival event sponsors.
Events will take place in historic and contemporary venues across the Fleet Street Quarter, including MYO New Street Square, Stationers’ Hall, St Bride Foundation, St Bride’s Church, Dr Johnson’s House and Shoe Lane Library, with St Martin Ludgate, Cutlers’ Hall, Temple Church and the Maughan Library at King’s College London joining the festival for the first time in 2026.
Taking place during the National Year of Reading, the festival also continues Fleet Street Quarter’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, spotlighting the vital role reading plays while bringing the charity’s mission to the historic heart of British journalism and publishing, a uniquely powerful setting for championing reading, writing and communication. When purchasing tickets for the festival’s events, attendees will also have the option to add a donation to the National Literacy Trust, helping support the charity’s work to improve literacy across the UK.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
THE SCOOP: CURRENT AFFAIRS, POLITICS AND JOURNALISM
Reflecting Fleet Street’s historic role as the centre of British journalism, the festival brings together leading political commentators, reporters and broadcasters to examine the stories shaping the world today.
Ahead of the festival’s main programme, two special pre-festival events will take place on 7th May at Stationer’s’ Hall. Lyndsey Simpson discusses how removing age-related barriers in the workplace can unlock the power and potential of people in midlife. Followed by former MI6 officer Chris Steele in conversation with broadcaster and former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci to discuss global politics and the implications of Donald Trump’s second presidential term.
Commencing the five-day programme, a live recording of The State of It podcast will feature The Times and Sunday Timespolitical journalists Patrick Maguire, Gabriel Pogrund, Caroline Wheeler and Steven Swinford, taking audiences inside the corridors of Westminster to share scoops, insights and anecdotes from the centre of British politics.
The Royal Television Society presents two events, including broadcaster Tom Bradby, presenter of ITV’s News at Ten and author of Secret Service, discussing the adaptation of his bestselling novel for television, and playwright and screenwriter, James Graham,in conversation about his influential body of work. Meanwhile, political commentators Iain Dale and Steve Richards reflect on the enduring influence of Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair on modern British politics.
The programme also examines the changing role of journalism in an increasingly volatile, fast-moving media landscape. Leading political editors including Caroline Wheeler (The Sunday Times), Jason Groves (Daily Mail), Jack Elsom (The Sun) and Jessica Elgot (The Guardian) discuss the pressures facing modern political reporting, including misinformation and disinformation, and reflect on the UK local elections and forthcoming US midterms.
In addition, journalist Sam McBride, co-author of For and Against a United Ireland, joins Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times, for a discussion on the growing debate around Irish unity, exploring the political, cultural and constitutional arguments surrounding the prospect of a future referendum.
Across the festival, daily morning briefings hosted by journalists from national newspapers, including The Guardian and The Times,will review the day’s headlines, recreating the atmosphere of the newsroom over coffee and conversation.
VIVID STORIES: WRITERS, BOOKS AND STORYTELLING
The festival brings together some of the most celebrated voices in contemporary literature alongside new and emerging authors, exploring the power of storytelling across fiction, memoir and cultural commentary.
Booker Prize-winning novelist and the festival’s patron, Sir Ben Okri, appears in conversation with executive producer Daniel West,discussing the continuing relevance of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, the novel that inspired the festival’s 2026 theme and the subject of West’s forthcoming BBC adaptation.
Elsewhere, in Rogues, Widows and Orphans, editor Rebecca Lee exposes hidden dramas of the publishing world, while novelist Lottie Moggach shares the story behind her historical thriller Mrs Pearcey, inspired by a real Victorian murder case that once captivated Fleet Street’s newspapers.
Renowned novelist, screenwriter and playwright Hanif Kureishi discusses his memoir Shattered with author and Guardian theatre critic Arifa Akbar, a powerful and deeply personal account of Hanif’s life following the spinal injury that left him paralysed.
Acclaimed war reporter Fergal Keane appears in conversation with ITV News producer Antony Garvey to discuss his book The Madness and reflecting on conflict, trauma and the psychological cost of frontline reporting after decades spent witnessing some of the world’s most devastating events.
Alongside these conversations, aspiring writers can take part in creative writing workshops hosted by creative writing charity Arvon, led by authors Amy Key, Abi Daré, Sophie Mackintosh and literary agent James Spackman, offering practical advice on memoir writing, fiction and the path to publication.
Additionally, learn the ropes of stop motion animation with artist Reza Ben Gajra during his Dragon Cafe in the City: ‘Words, Words, Words’ workshop. Held in person at Shoe Lane Library, all ticket booking proceeds will be donated to the charity, Mental Fight Club.
OFF THE PAGE: MEDIA, CULTURE AND PUBLIC LIFE
Reflecting Fleet Street’s longstanding connections to broadcasting and the wider media industry, the festival will also host conversations with familiar faces from television, journalism and public life.
Larry Lamb joins Gyles Brandreth for a live recording of his podcast, Rosebud, reflecting on childhood memories and the experiences that shaped his life and career. Brandreth also appears in conversation exploring the remarkable story of A.A. Milneand the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh.
Journalist Piers Blofeld revisits the extraordinary story of the Cambridge spy ring with Antonia Senior, offering fresh insight into one of the most fascinating espionage scandals of the twentieth century.
FLEET STREET, LONDON AND LITERARY HISTORY
Several events across the programme explore the rich literary and cultural history of Fleet Street and the wider influence of London on writers, journalists and storytellers.
Writer, researcher and guide Tina Hodgkinson explores Agatha Christie’s London, retracing the author’s footsteps across the capital, uncovering how the city shaped Christie’s life and fiction.
Shakespeare scholars Lucy Munro and Dr Hannah Crawforth examine the playwright’s connections to the Fleet Street area and the ways the city influenced his life and work.
In Voices of Fleet Street, journalists Humphrey Hawksley, Emma Lee-Potter and Shekhar Bhatia reflect on their experiences reporting and writing during Fleet Street’s golden age, sharing stories from newsrooms, foreign assignments and the colourful characters who defined one of the most vibrant periods in British journalism.
Visitors will also be able to further explore the district itself through a guided walk with journalist Tom Levitt, tracing the history of influential companies that once called Fleet Street home.
IDEAS, SOCIETY AND THE WORLD WE LIVE IN
A series of discussions across the festival explores the forces shaping society today, from politics and belief to leadership, communication and the changing role of business.
In Empowering Women, authors Poorna Bell, Sophie Jane Lee and Maryam Pasha discuss how women can challenge restrictive social norms and develop the tools needed to communicate confidently and shape their own paths.
Executive Editor of The Times and Times Radio, Jeremy Griffin, joined by former government minister Michelle Donelan, reflects on the day Queen Elizabeth II died and how the story unfolded at The Times.
Historian Bijan Omrani joins The Ven Luke Miller, Archdeacon of London, to examine the enduring influence of Christianity on English culture. Elsewhere, conflict artist and reporter George Butler reflects on the human stories behind modern war reporting and the role of storytelling in documenting conflict.
The panel discussion Are We Hardwired to Disagree? brings together Professor Paul Dolan, Dr Leor Zmigrod and Dr Marius Ostrowski, chaired by author and neuropsychology professor Catherine Loveday, to examine the psychological and ideological forces that shape our beliefs and political divisions.
In conversation with the Lloyd George Society, Richard Rhys O’Brien explores the life and legacy of David Lloyd George, examining how political ideas and unorthodox approaches can shape leadership in times of challenge.
Leadership and decision-making under pressure are also explored in a masterclass with former hostage negotiator and Sunday Times bestselling author Scott Walker, revealing how lessons in communication, trust and psychology can be used in real life and business. Meanwhile, author and thought leader Erika Clegg joins Simeon Rose, Brand Director of Faith in Nature and co-founder of Nature on the Board, to discuss how businesses can move beyond performative values to become genuine forces for positive change.
Broadening the conversation further, Alexander Hoare, former CEO at C. Hoare & Co, joins broadcaster Dharshini David to discuss how the family bank is preparing for the 21st century by prioritising relationships and optimising for the greater good through simplicity and quality.
In Beyond the Bench: Life as a KC, former Supreme Court President Baroness Hale of Richmond and renowned barrister Wendy Joseph KC reflect on landmark cases, courtroom experiences and the realities of working at the highest levels of the British legal system.
FAMILY EVENTS
Saturday’s programme includes a packed series of events for families, bringing the festival’s celebration of storytelling to younger audiences, with accompanying adults going free to children’s events.
Bestselling, multi award-winning children’s author and illustrator Rob Biddulph presents a live Draw With Rob session, sharing his journey as a children’s book creator. Attendees will also get an exclusive first look at Rob’s brand-new book The Last Wolf – the thrilling first instalment in The Moonhaven Chronicles.
The excitement continues with Beano illustrator Hugh Raine hosting two interactive comic-drawing workshops for aspiring young artists, before creating a big, live comic with the audience’s help.
Visitors can also experience the world of Guinness World Records, with an interactive event celebrating record-breaking achievements and offering audiences the chance to attempt their own title.
Of the programme, Lady Lucy French, CEO Fleet Street Quarter, says: “Fleet Street’s rich history in journalism, storytelling and the written word makes it the perfect setting for a festival celebrating the power of words and their influence in shaping our world. We’re delighted to welcome audiences back for the second year of the Festival of Words. As the area enters an exciting new chapter, the festival celebrates that legacy while bringing together an inspiring and diverse line-up of voices from across literature, media and spoken word. Coinciding with the National Year of Reading, the festival also highlights the vital role reading and literacy play in shaping ideas and communication, inviting audiences to hear new perspectives, spark conversations and explore the district’s storied history.”
Damian Collins OBE, Festival Director, adds: “We live in an age of great technological, economic and political change that is challenging how people think about themselves, their communities and the world in which we live. As Dickens observed, when the normal rules seem no longer to apply, the loudest voice, the most reassuring argument, or fear of the unknown can hold more influence over people’s actions than conventional wisdom. In the Fleet Street Festival of Words 2026 we examine what drives our own Age of Wisdom and Foolishness, the ideas right or wrong that challenge what has gone before and seek to predict what will come next.”
Natasha Morris, Director of Flex Workspace at Landsec & MYO, says: “We’re thrilled to be supporting the festival for the second year running as we look forward to an inspiring programme of thought-provoking sessions and magnificent speakers. Delivering an exceptional customer experience is central to what we do, and cultural events such as this help bring our event spaces to life. It’s also such a great way for local venues to engage with their local communities, fostering connections between residents, professionals and visitors alike. More importantly, we hope to encourage more people to experience the joy of reading.”
Further information about the Festival of Words can be found on the Fleet Street Quarter website, please visit: https://www.fleetstreetquarter.co.uk/festival-of-words-2026
