The End of an Era for the Chiswick Book Festival
Jo James steps down as programme director after a decade
Jo James hosting the Chiswick Book Festival’s Local Authors Showcase in 2024 . Picture: Roger Green
September 9, 2025
Jo James, a prominent figure in UK literary event programming, is stepping down as programme director of the Chiswick Book Festival after ten years in the role. Her departure will follow the conclusion of the 17th edition of the festival, which opens on Wednesday 10 September.
Jo has played a central role in shaping the festival’s identity and expanding its reach. This year’s programme includes appearances by Gill Hornby, Lyse Doucet, Axel Scheffler and William Dalrymple, whose events have sold out. Tickets remain available for other speakers including Jeremy Hunt, Alan Johnson, Kathy Lette, Reeta Chakrabarti and Anton du Beke.
Festival director Torin Douglas praised her contribution, describing her as “one of the most popular, experienced and effective Festival organisers in the book world.” He credited her with helping to raise the scale and profile of the event over the past decade.
Jo said she was proud of what the team had achieved and noted that this year’s festival felt particularly energised. She added that it was time to hand over the programming to someone new, suggesting a fresh voice would benefit both the audience and the local community.
Her career spans roles at Ottakars and Waterstones, as well as long-standing involvement with the Cheltenham Literature Festival, where she has run the Writers Room. She continues to work with other literary events including the Stratford Literary Festival and the Literature Festival At Sea aboard the Queen Mary 2.
She will host the festival’s opening event, the Local Authors Showcase, at the George IV pub in Chiswick this Wednesday (10 September). The format, in which 20 writers speak for two minutes each, has since been adopted by other festivals.
The Chiswick Book Festival operates on a not-for-profit basis, donating all proceeds to reading and community charities. Since its founding in 2009, it has raised over £150,000 for organisations including Read for Good, Read Easy Ealing, Koestler Arts, and St Michael & All Angels Church, which runs the festival.
The 2025 festival runs from 10 to 15 September. Jo James’s successor has not yet been announced, and the search for a new programme director is underway.
For programme details and to buy tickets, visit the festival's web site.
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