First Glimpse: Chelsea Arts Festival’s 2025 Impactful Lineup
Image credit: Charlie J Doherty; courtesy Chelsea Arts Festival
London’s artistic pulse is set to beat even louder this September as the inaugural Chelsea Arts Festival unveils its first wave of programming; a diverse, dynamic fusion of voices from literature, fashion, activism and music. Set in one of London’s most storied neighbourhoods, the festival will run from 19–21 September 2025, transforming Chelsea into a canvas of creativity, dialogue and bold cultural expression.
Rooted in the ethos of accessibility and artistic excellence, this fresh cultural beacon welcomes an exceptional lineup of speakers and performers, each offering a distinct lens on contemporary society. Headlining the literary programming is the inimitable Elizabeth Day, launching her new novel One of Us with a signature blend of storytelling and intimate insight at Cadogan Hall. She’ll be joined by literary heavyweights like William Boyd, and Matt Haig who brings his insights to a compelling conversation with musician and mental health advocate Jordan Stephens — a pairing sure to spark vulnerable truth-telling.
Image credits: Jacquetta Clark, Ray Okudzeto, Kan Lailey; courtesy Chelsea Arts Festival
The festival isn't just about the books, it’s a living expression to creative freedom and collective elevation. The Women’s Prize for Fiction’s 30th anniversary will be honoured in a Literary Salon featuring trailblazers like broadcaster June Sarpong and celebrated author Kate Mosse. In another timely moment, the legendary Ian McEwan joins forces with environmental thinker George Monbiot to explore human resilience amid the climate crisis; an urgent conversation at the intersection of art and activism.
As self-expression takes many forms, Dame Zandra Rhodes brings fashion to the forefront with a live event at the Saatchi Gallery, celebrating the radical beauty of wearable art. YouTube’s literary force Jack Edwards, known to millions as “the internet’s resident librarian", will host a personalised take on a literary debate, while Arts Council England’s Darren Henley and broadcaster Samira Ahmed hold space for an essential fireside chat on the life-changing power of public cultural investment.
Adding a sonic layer to the festival, Cadogan Hall will also host a live music night in support of EarthPercent, the climate action foundation launched by music industry leaders. The artist lineup remains under wraps, but the energy promises to be unforgettable.
Meanwhile, the Royal Court will welcome theatre lovers with a live taping of the London Theatre Review podcast featuring critics Nancy Durrant, Nick Curtis, Nick Clark, and a mystery celebrity guest; another move embracing modern storytelling in new formats.
Image credits: Courtesy Chelsea Arts Festival
This festival isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reimagining of how culture can bridge disciplines, generations and communities. As Chelsea further opens itself up as a space that welcomes creative visionaries — this September, it also opens its arms to a new chapter of gifted creators and fearless thinkers.
Tickets drop at the end of May via chelseaartsfestival.co.uk. This is an opportunity to witness a cultural and creative renaissance, one rooted in story, sound, soul and spirited exchange.
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