Multiple venues
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 – Sunday, 20 September 2026
Free Admission
— £40
Chelsea Arts Festival returns with a wide-ranging programme of talks, performances, readings, comedy, dance, outdoor events and food and arts markets, bringing leading voices from literature, fashion, architecture, music and culture to venues across the area.
Newly announced names include Susie Cave, Nish Kumar, Katherine Rundell, Bernardine Evaristo, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mishal Husain, Bella Freud, John Pawson CBE, Jacqueline Crooks, Joelle Taylor, Professor Daisy Fancourt, Emma Gannon, Michelle de Swarte and Rambert.
This year also marks 50 years since punk exploded on the King’s Road in 1976. Saatchi Gallery will host A Night of T/Reason, bringing together voices from the era and a new generation shaped by its legacy, with Chris Salewicz, Edie Ashley, Lloyd Johnson, Caroline Gration, Lauren Jones, Celeste Bell and photographs by Jane Ashley.
At Cadogan Hall, Susie Cave joins Bella Freud in conversation for a special 5×15 event centred on SUSIE, a visual and lyrical portrait created with Nick Cave, Dominique Issermann and Irma Boom. Bestselling author Katherine Rundell will discuss The Neverfear, her eagerly anticipated new adventure set in the magical world of the Glimourie Archipelago.
Blue Plaques Talk Back returns with Mishal Husain reflecting on Jawaharlal Nehru through her memoir Broken Threads, while Nish Kumar explores the influence of Jimi Hendrix. The Women’s Prize presents An Evening with Bernardine Evaristo and Friends, featuring Jacqueline Crooks, Joelle Taylor and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Further highlights include Shaun Usher’s Diaries of Note, Allie Esiri’s 10th anniversary celebration of A Poem for Every Night of the Year, Rambert’s centenary programme, John Pawson CBE in conversation, BookBar’s debut author showcase, and talks with Professor Daisy Fancourt, Emma Gannon, Johno Verity and Jonnie Fielding.
Comedy also joins the programme at new venue partner The Trafalgar, where Michelle de Swarte has been announced as part of the festival’s comedy evenings.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Chelsea Arts Festival website.