FTWeekend Festival returns to Kenwood House Gardens, London, on 3 September. Described by Timeout as “what might be the cleverest festival ever”, it will feature over 130 leading authors, scientists, politicians, chefs, artists and journalists.

The festival will showcase the best of FT and FTWeekend journalism, exploring the big ideas in politics, economics, climate and culture. The lineup of world-renowned experts and commentators ranges from Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Russia’s once-richest man and now one of its most prominent dissidents, to food blogger Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella.

Guests can learn lessons from the frontline of health and politics with former health secretary and MP Jeremy Hunt; debate the use and abuse of data with chief executive of Palantir Alex Karp; listen to Great British Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain on the future of British food; share a glass with wine critic Jancis Robinson; and navigate relationships with therapist Esther Perel. 

The festival also features some of the FT's most distinguished journalists, including editor Roula Khalaf; US editor-at-large Gillian Tett; FTWeekend editor Alec Russell; HTSI editor Jo Ellison; columnist and More or Less presenter, Tim Harford; and consumer editor Claer Barrett. Khalaf, alongside columnists Stephen Bush, Camilla Cavendish, Janan Ganesh, Sarah O’Connor and Martin Wolf, will lift the curtain on the FT’s daily ‘leader conference’ for a rare public debate on the issues driving the news agenda. 

FTWeekend editor Alec Russell, said: “This is a magical day when the inquisitive spirit of the FTWeekend paper comes alive on stage. We will be taking on all the big questions of today but will also sprinkle irreverence and wit as we do each weekend.”

“Among my highlights will be listening to the great historians Frank Dikotter and Ram Guha on China, India and the age of autocracy, a no-holds barred debate with Martin Wolf on whether we should rip up our economic policy, and watching a live performance of the Trojan Women by Ukrainian and Afghan refugees.”

FT Live managing director Orson Francescone, added: “Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to go from strength to strength. Following a successful sister festival in Washington DC earlier this year, we’re delighted to be returning to Kenwood House in London, where our inaugural event was first held.”

A highlight of the British summer, famous faces spotted sitting alongside festival goers last year include model and activist Lily Cole and actress ​​Helena Bonham Carter.

Tickets and pricing

Visit ftweekend.live.ft.com to register and find out more.

Loyalty Pass (for FT subscribers, with access to the Subscriber Tent) Super Early Bird £79 / Early Bird: £99 / Full Price: £109
General Admission Pass: Super Early Bird £89 / Early Bird: £109 / Full Price: £119

Digital Pass: Super Early Bird £50 / Early Bird: £60 / Full Price: £70
Student pass: £45

Ends

For more information, on to enquire about press access, please contact:

Mark Staniland, Financial Times | mark.staniland@ft.com

Catherine Goacher, Financial Times | catherine.goacher@ft.com

About the Financial Times

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of 1.2 million, more than one million of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community.