A genuine Archbishop and various National Treasures are among the speakers at this year's Idler Festival.
Fenton House — a gorgeous 17th century mansion hidden away from the busier areas of Hampstead — is once again the fancy venue for 2026's event, a relaxed-jolly of ideas, activities... and inactivities.
The annual event — which this year takes place on 10-12 July — features some serious big-name speakers, but in a studiously laid-back environment. Festival goers are invited to do "as much or as little as they please" at London's most relaxed festival.
You'll probably end up doing quite a lot, actually, because the speakers include hugely popular authors Irvine Welsh, Jojo Moyes and Charlie Higson, as well as Bake Off legend Prue Leith and the returning Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Some other confirmed highlights include:
Side activities include dancing lessons, walks, singing, beekeeping and plenty of time to lie under an apple tree with a book and a drink. Not completely idle, then.
