Barnes Children’s Literature Festival
The brilliant Barnes Children’s Literature Festival celebrates its tenth year! The UK’s biggest kids’ book festival returns to its picturesque spot beside Barnes Pond to host over 100 authors, illustrators, activities, performances, and so much more.
June 22-23; barneskidslitfest.org
History Walk
As part of London Rivers Week, join local charity Barnes Common for an engaging evening history walk around Beverley Brook and Barnes Pond, including anecdotes and facts about the history of Barnes Common and why ponds and rivers are so important.
June 26, 6pm, £5 plus fees, barnescommon.org.uk
Between The Covers Live
The successful BBC Two series that brings books to life is taking to the road. Featuring the show’s stars Kacey Ainsworth, Jo Brand, and Stephen Mangan alongside bestselling author of Star of the Sea, Joseph O’Connor, the tour kicks off at Richmond Theatre on June 1.
Tickets from £40.43 plus fees; betweenthecoverslive.com, atgtickets.com.
Summer Art Exhibition
Barnes Atelier presents its first ever summer exhibition, highlighting the diverse classical realism pieces of its students. Meet the artists and view a wide range of impressive oil paintings and works on paper.
June 21-29 (5-7 pm weekdays, 9-6 pm Saturday & Sunday) at Fletcher & Seymour, 60 White Hart Lane, SW13 0PZ; fletcherandseymour.com
Elton John tribute act
Elite Elton – one of the UK’s leading Elton John tribute acts – is appearing at Barnes Pond for an outdoor concert like no other. Expect a full band, a baby grand, and feathers galore!
June 8, 6.30pm. Tickets £25; osoarts.org.uk
Sunday football for over 50s
Hampton Rangers JFC have launched Sunday morning sessions for local over 50s looking to flex their footie skills at a lower impact. Kick-off is from 10.30am at the Hampton Rangers training ground on Oldfield Road, TW12 2PT. Tea, coffee and breakfast rolls served after.
For more info, contact secretary@hamptonrangers.co.uk.
Barnes Bookfest
Alistair McGowan is launching the full Barnes BookFest 2024 (Sept 20-22) programme at St Mary’s Church Barnes. The popular impressionist, actor, singer and writer is set to entertain with his trademark mix of humour and musical flair, sharing his first poetry anthology.
June 29, 7pm. Tickets £18 and available online at barnesbookfest.org or at The Barnes Bookshop
Poetry readings
Richmond bookshop Books on the Rise is hosting an open mic night where anyone can read their poetry or listen to exciting new work.
June 27, 7pm. 80 Hill Rise, TW10 6UB; booksontherise.com
Wimbledon BookFest
Wimbledon BookFest is running a series of pop-up events this month. Sue Barker will launch her memoir Wimbledon: A Personal History at New Wimbledon Theatre on June 6. Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians, will discuss his new novel at Wimbledon Library on June 18. Theresa May, Rev Richard Coles, and Venki Ramakrishnan will be at King’s College School on June 25 and 26.
Tickets for all events at wimbledonbookfest.org
The Hampton Court Music Festival
The star-studded line-up for this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival includes the likes of Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Jessie J, Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones, Paloma Faith and more. Don’t miss our interview with headliner Jack Savoretti. Read our interview with Jack Savoretti ahead of the festival.
June 11-21, tickets from £45; book now at hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.