Best selling author and ex-BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones will speak at the launch to former BBC journalist Rebecca Jones about his newly-published book, Ruskin Park.
The book has been described as a tender and compelling story of a love affair between his parents, both BBC employees.
He knew little about it until his mother recently died and left him with a file labelled ‘For Rory’.
The book shines a light on his parents’ broken relationship and Rory’s isolated childhood as his mother single-handedly raised him and his brother while working full time.
Rory told me: “As an Ealing resident for more than 30 years I am so delighted to be helping to launch this exciting new book festival with a preview event about my memoir, Ruskin Park.
“When the full festival happens next year I will be first in the queue for tickets.
“Book festivals are great fun to be at as an author and a visitor.”
Catherine Jaquiss, festival chair, said: “We hope we can bring a dynamic and varied programme which can reflect the vibrant and diverse borough of Ealing.”
The event will also invite young detectives and artists to solve the mystery of a dangerous art heist set in the 1950s, led by children’s historical mystery author Judith Eagle and illustrator Kim Geyer.
Young participants will search for clues to a hidden painting in the Manor, just as fictional heroine Caro Monday does in their latest book, The Stolen Songbird.
In spring 2024, there will be talks with nationally-renowned authors, local writers, panel discussions and book signings. The festival is sponsored by Savills estate agency.
ealingbookfestival.com
