Chelsea Arts Festival: 8 Events To Book Tickets For Now
By
3 days ago
Be the first to grab your ticket
A thrilling three-day festival is coming to Chelsea this September (18–21) – and tickets are now on sale for eight of the plethora of events on the bill. Here’s how to snag yours.
8 Chelsea Arts Festival Events To Book Now
1. Ian McEwan
One of Britain’s most beloved writers is turning to cli-fi: Ian McEwan’s next novel, What We Can Know (Jonathan Cape; 18 September), turns away from his bread and butter (love and desire) and unflinchingly towards a future Britain ravaged by climate change. Join the author at Cadogan Hall on publication day, where he and George Monbiot will delve into What We Can Know’s profound questions about who we are and where we are going. Best of all, tickets to this event include a copy of What We Can Know, with a post-event book signing following the talk.
2. Jack Edwards’ Inklings Book Club
Calling all book lovers: there’s a new book club to know about. The internet’s resident librarian Jack Edwards will launch his brand new Inklings Book Club at Chelsea Arts Festival this September as he interviews an author – with a healthy dollop of the wit and insight he’s known for. Having transformed the way young people discover and discuss literature online, long-time followers and those new to Jack’s literary world alike will be struck by his infectious enthusiasm and thoughtful consideration of storytelling and, at the Saatchi Gallery on Saturday 20 September, will find out exactly why and how he has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary book culture.
3. How To Art: Kate Bryan & David Shrigley
Budding art lovers, this Chelsea Arts Festival event is not to be missed. Celebrated artist David Shrigley will be joined by acclaimed art critic Kate Bryan (Portrait/Landscape Artist of the Year) on Saturday 20 September at Cadogan Hall as they celebrate the launch of How to Art. Written by Bryan and illustrated by Shrigley, How to Art is a refreshingly honest and entertaining book that cuts through art world pretensions to reveal what contemporary art is really about, set to be published on 18 September. Expect an enlightening and amusing panel from two of the art world’s most engaging voices.
4. Beyond The Page: Matt Haig & Jordan Stephens
Celebrated author Matt Haig (The Midnight Library, The Life Impossible) and multi-talented artist Jordan Stephens (Rizzle Kicks) will join forces at Chelsea Arts Festival in an intimate conversation hosted by DJ and broadcaster Annie Mac. Coming together at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 21 September, they’ll delve into the intersection of creativity and wellbeing, the courage required for vulnerability, and how art can become a lifeline in our most challenging moments.
5. William Boyd
This storied writer has 18 novels to his name – and at Chelsea Arts Festival, William Boyd will be discussing his 19th. Renowned for his masterly storytelling and spellbinding descriptions of lands overseas, The Predicament is Boyd’s second novel in his new series centred on Gabriel Dax – travel journalist turned accidental spy. On Friday 19 September 2025, Boyd will take to Cadogan Hall to dissect this new tale – and the dark allure of spycraft – for fans old and new.
Need a briefing? Here’s where to start with William Boyd’s work.
6. AI & Creativity With Tigris Li & Omar Karim
What does creativity look like in the age of artificial intelligence? Two leading voices will delve into this topic at Chelsea Arts Festival: artist and creative technologist Tigris Li and AI image and filmmaker Omar Karim. Taking to the Saatchi Gallery on Saturday 20 September, expect a more optimistic take on the role of AI from two experts who understand both the promise and complexity this new era presents.
6. The Arts Dividend With Darren Henley & Samira Ahmed
Interested in the transformative power of the arts? Join us at the Saatchi Gallery on Saturday 20 September as Arts Council England chief exec Darren Henley delves into his new book, The Arts Dividend, with broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed. Bringing decades of experience championing the arts to the table, together they’ll unpack how investment in creativity doesn’t just enrich our souls, but drives innovation, builds stronger communities, and delivers measurable economic benefits.
8. Elizabeth Day
Podcast extraordinaire Elizabeth Day will launch her new novel, One Of Us, at Chelsea Arts Festival this September. Joined by Marian Keyes at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 21 September in an event held in partnership with Fane, in One Of Us, the How To Fail host spins a tale of class, conflict, rebellion and the inner circle. Here’s exactly what to expect. Tickets to this event include a hardback copy of the book ahead of its publication on 25 September.
DISCOVER
To find out more about Chelsea Arts Festival, explore the line-up and book your tickets, visit chelseartsfestival.com
