We are thrilled to announce the first names on the lineup for Chelsea Arts Festival!

Chelsea venues from 19-21 September 2025. A starry array of talent from across page, stage and screen will feature in an extensive programme of talks, debates, workshops and live performances.

Starring in the literary lineup with her brand-new novel is celebrated author and broadcaster Elizabeth Day, who will take to the stage for a special event at Cadogan Hall, alongside a roster of events featuring literary heavyweights, including award winning William Boyd with his latest novel. Best selling author Matt Haig, who has sold over 10 million books worldwide, will also appear in conversation with musician and mental health advocate Jordan Stephens.

Elsewhere in the programme, a spectacular Literary Salon event will celebrate the internationally acclaimed Women's Prize for Fiction’s 30th Anniversary, featuring readings and performances from broadcaster June Sarpong, author Kate Mosse, and more to be announced.

Acclaimed author Ian McEwan will be joined by columnist and environmental activist George Monbiot to discuss his forthcoming, fictional tour de force, What We Can Know, exploring humanity's resilience in the face of climate catastrophe.

The whole of Chelsea will come to life, as venues across the borough open their doors. Fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes will bring her unparalleled creative vision to the Saatchi Gallery for an in conversation event celebrating the power of fashion as a form of self-expression. YouTube sensation Jack Edwards, known to millions of his followers as ‘the internet's resident librarian’, will be hosting his very own take on a literary debate, as the art space is transformed into a hub for thought-provoking discussion over the three-day event. This will also include a fireside chat between Arts Council England Chief Executive Darren Henley and journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed about the life-enhancing benefits of public cultural investment.

Audiences can also look forward to a special night of live music at Cadogan Hall, in aid of EarthPercent, the music industry's climate foundation. The lineup of performing artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Showcasing Chelsea’s theatrical success stories at the Royal Court, the London Theatre Review will present a special live podcast show recording featuring leading critics Nancy Durrant, Nick Curtis, and Nick Clark with a very special celebrity guest to be announced.

With more names being added to the roster over coming weeks from the worlds of music, comedy, visual arts and dance, Chelsea Arts Festival is sure to provide a thrilling display of London’s ongoing status as the culture capital of the world.