FT Weekend Festival 2026 Preview

In its 11th year, the FT Weekend Festival once again returns to the landscaped grounds of Kenwood House, with a bustling programme of interviews, debates, tastings, book signings and performances. Covering an array of topics – from fashion and food to politics and culture – it’s an opportunity to hear some of the world’s leading voices in person. 

Taking place on 5th September, tickets for the event are now live and as an official supporting partner, we’re offering SPHERE readers 20 per cent off with the code SPHERE20. 

Who is Speaking at the FT Weekend Festival? 

Richard E Grant on the World’s Most Historic Hotels

One of the most irreverent and talented actors the UK has seen, Richard E Grant’s career spans more than four decades – and for good reason. He has acted in some of the most iconic films in recent memory: Dracula, Jackie, Saltburn, Nuremberg and Can You Ever Forgive Me, for which he received an Oscar nomination, to name but a few. Richard will join CEO & Founder of travel behemoth, Perowne International, Julia Perowne and the FT’s Travel Editor, Tom Robbins, on stage at 11 am for a conversation about the world’s most historic hotels. 

Angela Hartnett and Richard Corrigan on How to Have More Fun at Dinner

One of the UK’s most beloved chefs, restaurateurs and now podcasters, Angela Hartnett is known for her simple yet sophisticated Italian cooking. She first rose to prominence during her tenure at Petrus, where she helped the restaurant secure its first Michelin star within just seven months of her joining. Now, with the critically acclaimed Murano and its four sister Café Murano sites, as well as multiple cookbooks under her belt, Angela is truly a British culinary success story. Speaking on a panel alongside industry heavyweights like Richard Corrigan, Chef-Patron of Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill and esteemed restaurateur Jeremy King, Angela will be schooling attendees on how to have a livelier supper. 

The son of a farmer, Richard Corrigan has grown from teenage chef to cooking for the likes of Barack Obama and the Queen. He currently runs four sites: Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Corrigan’s Mayfair, Daffodil Mulligan and The Portrait Restaurant in the National Portrait Gallery. Richard also runs Virginia Park Lodge in Ireland, where his principles of championing seasonal, local produce from independent suppliers can be seen in full force. 

Jeremy Hunt on What a Burnham Budget Will Look Like

Former Conservative Chancellor and author Jeremy Hunt will join Christine Ross, Head of Private Office at Handelsbanken Wealth, Nimesh Shah, CEO of Blick Rothenberg, alongside FT Editors George Parker and Tom Braithwaite to speculate what our new Prime Minister’s autumn budget could look like. With room for robust political debate, the audience will gain insight from someone who has stood at the dispatch box, as well as those in the upper echelons of the financial sector. 

Sarah Creal on How to Be Beautiful at Any Age

With almost three decades in the beauty industry, Sarah Creal has held positions at Prada Beauty, Tom Ford Beauty, Victoria Beckham Beauty (which she co-founded), Bobbi Brown and more. Armed with unparalleled expertise on what women want from their products, Sarah is a certified expert in her field. Following the launch of her eponymous brand in June 2024, she will be sharing the stage with Adeela Crown, Facialist, and Kay Montano, Makeup Artist, to discuss the needs of skin over the age of 40. 

Paul Smith and Peter Capaldi in Conversation. 

Born in Nottingham, where he first launched his eponymous brand in a small shop, Paul Smith has become one of Britain’s most recognisable designers, selling his garments across five continents. He is renowned for his signature tailoring and distinct stripe pattern and credits his wife, Pauline, for influencing his understanding of design. 

Paul will be speaking to his friend, actor Peter Capaldi, about his illustrious career. Peter, of course, is best known for his stint as Doctor Who and BAFTA award-winning performance as Malcom Tucker in the satirical political comedy The Thick of It. He also has an Academy Award to his name for his short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life, which he wrote and directed, and has released two albums.

Yotam Ottolenghi on The Pursuit of Flavour and How We Cook Now

We’re no strangers to the Ottolenghi empire, complete with multiple restaurants, delis and all our favourite cookbooks. As the man who introduced many a new flavour to the British palate – and who has a book titled “Flavour” – he’s no doubt perfectly placed to deliver a seminar on the topic. Speaking with the FT Food Writer, Time Hayward, Yotam will be discussing how our cooking patterns have shifted and the ultimate pleasure of everyday cooking.

Paul Theroux on His Trans-Canada Odyssey 

Acclaimed American novelist and recipient of a Royal Medal from the Royal Geographical Society, Paul Theroux is one of the foremost voices on modern travel. In his latest adventure, he headed north from his homes in Hawaii and Cape Cod to Canada for his new travel book True North: On the Road in Canada. It’ll be published in September this year and Paul will be giving the FT Weekend audience an exclusive preview.