To honour that spirit, an all-new festival bursts onto London’s cultural scene this September 18 – 21. The Chelsea Arts Festival is awakening the borough with a bold fusion of storytelling, music, theatre, dance, film, visual art, literature, and even podcasting. Taking place across iconic venues like Cadogan Hall, Saatchi Gallery, and the Royal Court Theatre, the festival offers accessible ticketed events and free outdoor performances alike, spilling into King’s Road, Duke of York Square, Sloane Street, and Sloane Square.
These are the events we’re excited for – see you in the queue.
Festival Highlights At A Glance
Thursday 18 September
Rupert Everett in Conversation with Hannah MacInnes
A spirited kick-off featuring the actor-writer-director on his latest collection, The American No. From £12.50. Book here.
George Monbiot Meets Ian McEwan
A powerful discussion weaving climate urgency with literary insight. From £45. Book here.
Friday 19 September
Blue Plaques Talk Back Live
A theatrical stroll through Chelsea’s famed blue plaques, with storytelling from celebrated actors like Sir Stephen Fry. From £12.50. Book here.
William Boyd in Conversation
Join the acclaimed novelist discussing his new work, The Predicament, in what’s sure to be an illuminating conversation. From £12.50. Book here.
Ronnie Scott’s Presents Ashton Jones
Funky, soulful, and electrifying – a full 10-piece band delivering gritty grooves throughout the evening (includes a £3 charity donation to Nucleo). From £12.50. Book here.
Saturday 20 September
English National Ballet School: El Cid & Traditional Highlights
A spellbinding morning of classical dance from rising stars, culminating in a performance of El Cid, a ‘neo-classical work that combines the elegance and precision of classical ballet with the colour, rhythm, and vitality of traditional Spanish dance.’ From £12.50. Book here.
How to Art with Kate Bryan & David Shrigley
A witty, down-to-earth guide to art appreciation – fun guaranteed. From £12.50. Book here.
A Celebration of British Film & Television
Stars like Sadie Frost, Twiggy, and Dr Nitin Sawhney join a panel hosted by critic and broadcaster Anna Smith on the cultural impact of screen and style. From £12.50. Book here.
Comedy Gala at Cadogan Hall
A night of top-tier stand-up featuring Sindhu Vee, Michael Odewale, Lloyd Griffith (plus surprises) – all in support of the arts. From £12.50. Book here.
Sunday 21 September
Jordan Stephens & Matt Haig with Annie Macmanus
The Rizzle Kicks’ multi-hyphenate powerhouse will talk with DJ Annie Macmanus and author Matt Haig in a conversation exploring ‘the intersection of creativity and wellbeing, the courage required for vulnerability, and how art can become a lifeline in our most challenging moments.’ Count us in. From £12.50. Book here.
An Afternoon with Elizabeth Day & Marian Keyes
Launch of One of Us, paired with the author’s sharp wit and hosted by Keyes; oh, and every ticket comes with a hardback copy of the novel. From £34.99, Book here.
Silk Road Slippers Writing Masterclass
Acclaimed and hailed by Financial Times as ‘a revelation’ – perfect for all levels of writers (limited availability). The Silk Road Slippers team, led by publishing legend Alexandra Pringle, bestselling author and historian Alex von Tunzelmann, will be poised to give immediate constructive feedback. Invaluable. £25. Book here.
Women’s Words: From Page to Stage
A stirring 30-year celebration of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, featuring Sheila Atim, Sheila Hancock, Kate Mosse, June Sarpong, Lenny Henry, and more. All proceeds will ‘raise vital funds to support our work – helping us to continue to amplify women’s stories, support emerging writers and ensure a more equitable literary world for future generations.’ £15. Book here.
