The annual feast of “merry-making and idling” takes over Fenton House in Hampstead with a feast of music, talks, comedy, and workshops.
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and journalist and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer are also on the bill over the weekend of July 11, 13 and 13.
Gospel Oak diarist and former Python star Michael Palin will appear at The Idler Festival in July. (Image: PA) The Festival takes place in the grounds and interior of the National Trust property, with ticketholders invited to “lie on the lawn while the country’s funniest and wisest entertain you”.
The house dates back to the 17th Century and this year the festival is marking Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with a talk from Jane Austen expert Professor John Mullan.
There will also be Regency dancing lessons, Tim Richardson on 18th Century gardens, and performances on Fenton House’s harpsichords.
Other names lined up for the festival include comedian Arthur Smith leading surreal walks; Ferdinand Mount explaining the lure of the tyrant; Daisy Dunn revealing the power of women in Ancient Greece, and Clare Pollard who will hold poetry salons with London’s best new verse writers.
There’ll also be philosophy with Mark Vernon and a micro-pilgrimage with Guy Hayward as well as the usual workshops on ukelele playing and beekeeping, walking tours, and agony aunts.
Festival-goers need not go hungry or thirsty as there will be a bar and food provided by Moro, who are based in Exmouth Market and specialise in Spanish, Moroccan and Iranian cuisine, while DJ sets will get people dancing in the orchard.
Past visitors have described the festival as having “a wonderful, relaxed feel” and an “intense merry energy,” with “stimulating talks in beautiful gardens”.
Further food stalls and performers will be announced in the coming months with weekend tickets now on sale for £150 at www.idler.co.uk/festival.
