Iain Sinclair’s latest book, Pariah Genius, follows the life of photographer John Deakin, whose chronicles of Soho life – and the world of Francis Bacon and his friends – have so influenced our perception of that generation’s work. He talks to author and broadcaster Horatio Clare about why Deakin remains such a compelling figure.

From the author of Ghost Town, psychogeographer Jeff Young’s Wild Twin is at once a hallucinatory dream book of lost youth and a deeply felt love song to the city he calls home. Literary journeying of the finest order, this is one you don’t want to miss. Jeff will be in conversation with his friend Horatio Clare.

The much-loved Gavin and Stacey star talks to Julia Wheeler about her post-war working-class roots, varied acting career – from Abigail’s Party to Pride and Prejudice – and her former marriage to Mike Leigh. Expect it to be very funny, very feminist and very entertaining!

Dancer and entertainer Wayne Sleep talks to Marg Mayne about his extraordinary life both on and off stage. In his memoir Just Different he looks back on the extraordinary times he has lived through, from dancing with ballet legends Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn to the prejudices he faced as a working-class, gay man and living through the Aids epidemic. Expect laughter, tears, and plenty of gossip.

Buzzcocks bass player and lead guitarist Steve Diggle has been the driving force keeping the band alive since he first met Pete Shelley in 1976. He talks to music journalist Siân Pattenden about his new book Autonomy, Diggle’s definitive inside account of their shared musical legacy and complex friendship through the band’s rise, fall, and rise again – from their punk origins to Top of the Pops, the band's break-up and reformation.

Known for her creativity and individuality Dame Zandra Rhodes is one of the most significant figures in British fashion. She talks to Julia Wheeler about her archive of iconic garments, her life spent among rockstars and royalty, life-changing friendships and the highs and lows that come with being an era-defining designer. In this insightful memoir, Iconic, Zandra shares her life story for the first time.

Leeroy Thornhill, ex-member of The Prodigy, talks to author and music journalist Miranda Sawyer about the story of the first decade of the band, from the earliest raves to Japan and the United States in the late 1990s, by which point the band were one of the biggest on the planet.

Join Paralympic champion, Strictly Come Dancing star and You Can Do Anything! author, Jonnie Peacock, for an empowering and inspirational discussion about finding your happiness, chasing your dreams and being unstoppable. Jonnie will be talking about his experiences as a Paralympian and taking young people in the audience on a journey to get inspired, build confidence, overcome setbacks and learn that they can achieve anything, no matter what their abilities or ambitions might be.

Suitable for age 8–12

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Accompanying adults need to purchase a ticket for this event.

We are delighted to welcome Jamaican reggae poet, performer, activist and critic Linton Kwesi Johnson to perform a selection of his poetry and to talk about his latest book, Time Come, in conversation with author Jacqueline Crooks. One of the greatest writers and poets of our time, as well as a hugely respected activist, Linton's writerly output is prolific and profound, his career having begun in the 1970s when he first emerged as a revolutionary reggae poet.