We are delighted to be partnering with ‘London’s leading literary Festival’ Wimbledon Bookfest again this Autumn (16 – 26 October) and look forward to welcoming many to our school from across our wider school community to enjoy the plethora of events, talks and workshops on offer.
This year we are also proud to announce that we are sponsoring an event – on Sunday 19 October Harriet Walter talks about her book She Speaks: Shakespeare’s Women:
She Speaks: Shakespeare's Women
Actor Dame Harriet Walter is one of Britain’s most esteemed Shakespearean actors, starting her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and having played leading roles including Lady Macbeth (Macbeth), Viola (Twelfth Night) and Prospero (The Tempest). In her book she delves between the lines of the plays she knows so well to give these female characters an authentic voice.
WHS alumnae are always an integral part of the festival – as hosts, guest speakers and patrons – and this year is no exception:
Michelle Paver
On Friday 17 October, Wimbledon High alumna, Festival patron and acclaimed Sunday Times bestselling author Michelle Paver will talk about her latest supernatural fiction in Always Take Notes, a podcast for and about writers and writing. Michelle will discuss her incredible career, from finding inspiration for Wolf Brother on Wimbledon Common to her latest novel Rainforest, which weaves Mayan culture with themes of obsession, gender and rebirth.
Book and find out more here
Fiza Saeed McLynn
Alumna and local author Fiza Saeed McLynn ‘whisks us between Chicago and Paris in the Jazz Age for a glittering tale of obsession, revenge and love.’ in her debut novel The Midnight Carousel. On 18 October she discusses her creative journey, personal inspirations, strong female characters and life outside societal expectations with author Emma Cowing.
Other highlights with a Wimbledonian connection include;
Saturday 18 October
Alumna Rachel Wang discusses Great British Art: Behind the Paintings with Leslie Primo & James Payne
Saturday 18 October
Join alumna Afua Hirsch for a Q&A with Misan Harriman and a film screening of Shoot the People.
19 October 2025
Afua Hirsch talks to Jassa Ahluwalia about his book Both Not Half: A Radical New Approach to Mixed Heritage Identity
On Tuesday 21 October 2025, alumna Samira Ahmed hosts Women of the Ancient World – Elodie Harper & Nikita Gill discusses their latest historical fiction.