Packed with blockbuster names from the worlds of literature, sport, politics, comedy, film and more Wimbledon BookFest celebrates its tenth birthday this year.

Following an opening at Wimbledon Library’s new The Space, more than 60 events will take place at the Big Tent on Wimbledon Common from September 29 to October 9.

The whole programme is worth exploring, but here are just 14 highlights to look out for…

Opening Night with Jessie Burton on Thursday, September 29

BookFest officially opens at The Space in Wimbledon Library and an appearance from the hugely successful Wimbledon-born novelist Jessie Burton. Burton’s debut novel The Miniaturist has sold over a million copies and her latest, The Muse, is a Sunday Times number one bestseller. She will be in conversation with Jennifer Cox. Tickets cost £10.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, from 6pm on Friday, September 30

The legendary explorer, who was the first man to reach both poles by surface travel and to cross Antarctica unsupported, opens the Big Tent with a conversation with Rupert Lancaster who will get him talking about all of his extreme adventures. Tickets cost £17.50.

Deliciously Ella, from 2pm on Saturday, October 1

The food blogger turned cookbook author will share here stories of how eating right radically improved her health as well as sharing her tips for cooking well. Tickets cost £20 and include a copy of her book Deliciously Ella’s Smoothies and Juices.

Literary Bike Ride, from 8.30am on Sunday, October 2

BookFest isn’t all sitting and listening, you know. Take a three hour (25km) cycle around south west London’s literary landmarks, with stops for readings and tea. Tickets cost £12.50.

Andy Hamilton, from 5.30pm on Sunday, October 2

The Outnumbered and Drop the Dead Donkey writer, who lives in Wimbledon, will chat about his first novel The Star Witness to QI’s head of research John Mitchinson. Tickets cost £15 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Bowie Night, from 7.30pm on Sunday, October 2

Music journalists Paul Morley, who has written the biography The Age of Bowie and curated the sell-out V&A Bowie Exhibition, and Lesley-Ann Jones, who wrote Hero: David Bowie, will discuss the great man and their encounters with him alongside Radio X’s John Kennedy. Tickets cost £15 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Carol Ann Duffy, from 6.30pm on Monday, October 3

The Poet Laureate will read from here collections including The World’s Wife and The Bees while court musician John Sampson plays musical highlights of the past 500 years. Tickets cost £15 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Brian Moore and Friends, from 8.15pm on Monday, October 3

The former England rugby hooker-turned-broadcaster and BookFest patron brings some very special guest for his annual night at the festival: Harlequins and England rugby legend Nick Easter and Judy Murray, mum of Andy and Jamie and tennis coach. Tickets cost £17.50 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Girl Up/Man Up from 7pm on Tuesday, October 4

BookFest heads over to Wimbledon High School as journalist and author Miranda Sawyer hosts a talk with Laura Bates, the founder of Everyday Sexism, and Alexi Mostrous, The Times special correspondent who writes on the challenges facing masculinity today. Tickets cost £12.50 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Nick Clegg, from 8pm on Tuesday, October 4

The former Deputy Prime Minister, who has just written a book Politics: between the extremes, lifts the lid on his time in Government as well as arguing for maintaining reason in an age of passion-led politics. Tickets cost £17.50 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Jeremy Paxman, from 8pm on Wednesday, October 5

The broadcaster and former Newsnight anchor will discuss his long and storied career, no doubt in his usual unflinching style. Tickets cost £27.50 and include a copy of his memoirs.

Jenni Murray, from 2pm on Saturday, October 8

The Women’s Hour presenter discusses her new book A History of Britain in 21 Women. Tickets cost £15 or £7.50 for under 18s.

Comedy on Wimbledon Common, from 8pm on Saturday, October 8

Marcus Brigstocke headlines an evening of laughs in a one-off show in the Big Tent. Tickets cost £20.

Michael Morpurgo and Clare Balding, from 11.45am on Sunday, October 9

Former Children’s Laureate and writer of the likes of War Horse Michael Morpurgo and sports broadcaster Clare Balding, who has just written The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop, team up to celebrate animals in children’s books. Tickets cost £15 adults and £10 children.

For more information and the full programme, go to wimbledonbookfest.org

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