Write On Kew

This autumn Kew Gardens launches its first ever literary festival with over 80 events across all genres, from fiction to science, children's to cookery.

Over five days from Thursday 24 to Monday 28 September, the glorious grounds of Kew will welcome authors including Margaret Atwood, Bill Bryson, Michael Morpurgo and Richard Mabey.

Highlights include:

Bill Bryson: The Road to Little Dribbling
26 September
A rare chance to hear the legendary Bill Bryson talking about his recently-updated bestseller Notes From a Small Island and giving a preview of his first new travel book in 15 years, The Road to Little Dribbling.

Carol Klein: Making a Garden
24 September
Experienced plantswoman, author and popular TV presenter Carol Klein shows how to take inspiration from what works in the wild to get the most from every garden, from shady patios to windswept roof terraces.

Jacqueline Wilson: The Butterfly Club and Katy
27 September
Join the great children’s author and Tracy Beaker creator Jacqueline Wilson to hear about her latest books The Butterfly Club and Katy, a re-imagining of the classic Victorian story What Katy Did.

James Wong: Grow for Flavour
25 September
Combining cutting edge science with overlooked traditional techniques, bestselling gardening writer and Kew-trained botanist James Wong shows how to measurably increase the flavour of grow-your-own favourites, while also providing mouthwatering recipes.

Mel Giedroyc and friends: A Novel Literary Lunch
26 September
Which literary works provide the perfect sustenance for the mind? Mel Giedroyc and companions dish up a feast designed to whet the appetite of the most discerning literary palate as they recommend the books that they consider a perfect blend of nourishment, spice and guilty pleasure.

Michael Mosley: The Fast Diet Phenomenon
26 September
Science journalist and TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley talks about the latest scientific research surrounding the intermittent fasting approach explored in his ground-breaking book, The Fast Diet.

See the official website for the full programme of events.