Hammersmith & Fulham's hottest event for book lovers and authors is making a return to Bush Theatre this summer.
Taking place Saturday 19 July, the event celebrates woman and indie authors through a mix of debates, author spotlights, and hands-on writing workshops.
H&F Council is financially supporting the festival. It's part of our work to support local creatives and culture – making H&F a stronger, safer and kinder borough.
Find the full agenda, including opening words from H&F Mayor Cllr Sharon Holder, and choose your tickets on The WILDE Foundation's Eventbrite page.
Five years strong
Founded by author and Macbeth Centre tutor Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm, 2025 marks the festival's fifth anniversary.
Rasheda said:
This amazing and inspiring festival is a space where stories, voices, and creativity come alive. We're proud to spotlight female and indie authors whose words are shaping the future of literature."
Rasheda is also the founder of WILDE Foundation, a charity working to empower women and girls in safe, creative spaces where they can write and share stories.
Local author takes to the stage
The lineup includes ITN broadcaster and author Charlene White, Jacaranda Books founder Valerie Brandes, and founder of Black British Book Festival Selina Brown.
Leading academic Dr Arlene Weekes, who grew up in Shepherds Bush, is also returning to H&F for the festival.
The social work expert recently launched her debut book, Effective Personal and Professional Judgement in Social Work, at White City's Nubian Life Resource Centre.
New book
Her new book, shaped by more than three decades of work, explores how professionals can overcome biases including culture, identity, race and religion.
"I do feel that I am inspiring people to explore their own biases and look at how we can tweak and own what we bring to all our decisions, rather than viewing ourselves as a blank slate," she explained.
Arlene, who attended Phoenix Academy back when it was Hammersmith County Girls' School, has caught the writing bug. She's already working on a further two books featuring the experiences of Black women.
Hear from her at the 11.15am panel discussion Exploring Barriers to Publication for Global Majority Writers.
