We’re so excited to be back!
SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2025
Last year we brought a brand-new BOOKS IN THE PARK festival to Beckenham Place Park, and we’re thrilled to be back with an expanded programme for young and old.
This year will feature exciting adult and children’s authors, free guided walks, stimulating writing workshops, interactive festival events, as well as some mouth-watering new additions including an expert-lead cheese tasting and the park’s much-loved food and farmers market.
We are also delighted to report that profits from BOOKS IN THE PARK have helped fund our community outreach efforts. Since last year’s event, author Alex Falase-Koya has visited two local schools, where he ran a series of engaging workshops that helped spark the imaginations of over 600 children. We look forward to sharing our plans to expand this work. To stay informed about this, and all the festival happenings, sign up for news alerts using the button below.
Festival entrance is free. Each event is individually ticketed, and some discounted tickets are available. Ticket holders will get 10% off food and drink at the Mansion Cafe and The Homestead Cafe by showing their tickets.
We look forward to seeing you at BOOKS IN THE PARK!
ADULT AUTHORS
Jules Acton
Go on a magical exploration of one of England’s most important trees with British environmentalist and writer, Jules Acton. more
Helen Bowell
In this meditative Poetry Writing Workshop, Helen Bowell will use memory, dream, quotation, and more to help you create poems that reflect our true relationship with the landscape. more
Kaliane Bradley
Utterly hilarious and unbearably sexy, Kaliane Bradley's literary romcom (with added time-travel) explores what it means for Britain to reckon with its past. more
Chloe Dalton
When lockdown led Chloe Dalton to leave London for the countryside of her childhood, she never expected to find herself custodian of a newly born hare. more
Anita Goveas
In this adult Flash Fiction Writing Workshop Anita Goveas will use story examples and writing exercises to think about what makes a successful flash fiction. more
Janice Hallett
Queen of cosy crime and mega best-selling author, Janice Hallett joins us to discuss her new genre-busting crime novel. more
Annie Lyons
Join author Annie Lyons for a fun-filled adult Fiction Writing Workshop aimed at anyone who wants to have a go at writing fiction. more
Ned Palmer
A cheesemonger's guide to the world of French cheese, complete with tasting notes and serving suggestions. Ned Palmer's cheese tasting is is sure to delight! more
Local talent talks
Step back in time as three acclaimed South London writers discuss their latest historical novels. more
CHILDREN'S AUTHORS
Abiola Bello
In her Young Adult Writing Workshop, Abiola Bello will be sharing tips on writing scenes that will make you swoon, relatable characters to fall in love with and building edge-of-your-seat tension. more
Jack Meggitt-Phillips
Join Jack Meggitt-Phillips for The Villain’s Showdown!, an interactive hour-long event, including puppetry, a Q&A, and readings from his international bestseller. more
Allison Parkinson
Join author and illustrator Allison Parkinson for a fun and interactive storycrafting workshop. more
Robert Sae-Heng Joséphine Seblon
Join author Joséphine Seblon and illustrator Robert Sae-Heng for a creative event inspired by iconic architecture from around the world. more
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Pop-up bookshop
Back at the Mansion with its fabulous pop-up bookshop will be local independent and festival bookseller Beckenham Bookshop. more
Guided walks
Join Wild South London for a Wild Walk around Beckenham Place Park. Walks at 10.30am and 1.30pm. more
Sewing machine fun
KHY Sewing School is offering 7-14 year olds the chance to get a sewing machine driving licence in this 2.5hr workshop. more
Festival food market
Buy local as Beckehham Place Park Market joins the festival this year bringing local traders and produce. more
Kid's book swap
Bring a book, swap a book, choose a book to take home and enjoy. Books for 5-11 year olds. more
Drop-in stitching
Drop in to the Sewing School to make bookmarks and page turners, and view the stunning creations of talented kids. more
Green living advice
Greener and Cleaner will be onsite offering paper-based crafts for all ages. more
Scavenger hunt
Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and browse the exiting new zine collection at Lewisham Libraries' stand. more
Make a bookmark
Learn about the cyanotype process of book illustration and make a bookmark with photographer Anthony Jones. more
Bringing nature, books and people together
Arts in the Park CIC 15290631
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