Fleet Street Quarter’s Festival of Words, with Landsec & MYO, returns from 12th-16th May 2026, bringing a vibrant programme of leading authors to one of London’s most iconic and historic areas.
Set in the district long recognised as the birthplace of the printed press and the historic heart of the British news, the festival will spotlight the area’s rich heritage in literature, publishing and journalism, while championing the power of words to bring people together and shape society. The Festival of Words is proudly supported by Landsec & MYO as headline sponsors, alongside the News Media Association as festival event sponsor.
Across five days of insightful and thought-provoking conversations shaped by this year’s theme, The Age of Wisdom and Foolishness, inspired by the famous opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities, speakers will examine how today’s era of technological advancement, economic uncertainty and political polarisation mirror the times chronicled by Charles Dickens. The festival will both interrogate and celebrate the driving forces of our time, the ideas, right or wrong, that challenge what has gone before and seek to predict what will come next.
With more than forty events featuring a line-up of leading authors, journalists and influential voices, including the festival’s patron, Sir Ben Okri, the bold and timely series of events will explore the state of the nation in all its complexity. Celebrating words in all their forms, the festival spans current affairs and journalism, fiction, screenwriting, poetry, alongside writing workshops and family and children’s events.
With the programming yet to be announced, confirmed speakers include Hanif Kureishi, Sarah Vine, Iain Dale, Fergal Keane, Rob Biddulph and Tom Bradby, and the Royal Television Society, with more to be revealed. From panel discussions and in conversations to daily news briefings and workshops, audiences can also enjoy live podcast recordings, including Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud with Larry Lamb and The State of It, featuring political journalists from The Times and Sunday Times, to take listeners inside the room where decisions are made. Additional highlights include Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC and Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond, in conversation on Life as a King’s Counsel.
Events will take place in contemporary and historic venues across the Quarter, including MYO New Street Square, Stationers’ Hall, St Bride Foundation, St Bride’s Church, Cutlers’ Hall, Temple Church, Dr Johnson’s House and The Maughan Library, King’s College London, with further locations and speakers to be shared in stages. Visitors will discover new corners of the City of London while enjoying a programme of stimulating talks and events, with a broad range of speakers designed to appeal to all interests.
Lady Lucy French OBE, Fleet Street Quarter’s CEO, says: “Words have always shaped this part of London. The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words is about celebrating that legacy, while also creating space for new voices, fresh ideas and meaningful conversations. As we continue to reestablish Fleet Street as a vibrant hub of ideas, innovation and cultural exchange, we look forward to welcoming such a diverse array of influential speakers and wordsmiths to the Quarter, building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural festival to again bring people together through stories, debate and shared curiosity.”
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.”
Taking place during the National Year of Reading, the festival 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, where the Quarter provides a uniquely powerful backdrop for championing reading, writing and communication.
