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St Martin-in-the-Fields Announces ‘The Conversation 2026’ Literary Series

Friday, 9 January 2026 09:34

St Martin-in-the-Fields has announced the return of The Conversation for 2026, bringing leading writers and thinkers together to explore major social, political and environmental issues, opening with Ian McEwan.

St Martin-in-the-Fields announces the return of The Conversation, a major series of literary talks bringing together some of the world’s leading writers, thinkers, historians and scientists to explore the defining political, social and environmental questions of our time.

Running from 27 January to 28 April 2026, The Conversation 2026 will open with Britain’s leading novelist Ian McEwan, in discussion with Peter Florence on climate change, the state of the nation, and McEwan’s bestselling climate-focused novel What We Can Know. The evening will feature an extended interview followed by an intimate audience Q&A.

Challenging mainstream political narratives, The Conversation explores themes including social injustice, culture, gender, inequality, power and the climate crisis. Each event consists of an hour-long interview with a guest speaker, followed by a second hour of direct audience engagement, creating a rare opportunity for open dialogue.

The 2026 programme continues with an exceptional line-up including:

  • Gary Younge on race and social justice in the UK and USA

  • Armistead Maupin marking 50 years of Tales of the City in his only UK appearance of 2026

  • Sarah Churchwell on the battle for modern America

  • Carole Cadwalladr on AI, technology and state power

  • Hallie Rubenhold on invisible women in history

  • Daniel M. Davis on decoding immune health and wellbeing

  • Mya-Rose Craig on fighting for the environment

  • Kate Bowler on faith, illness and what it means to be human

The series is programmed by Peter Florence, founder of the Hay Festival, who said:

“Each of these writers sets you off on adventures of imagination and action. I love extending the familiar interview format into a wider conversation and seeing what happens when the audience takes up the storylines. Trust the room.”

Revd Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, added:

“St Martin’s has long been a beacon for social justice and public engagement. The Conversation continues that tradition of questioning assumptions and creating space for thoughtful, challenging dialogue.”

Following the spring programme, a further ten events featuring major international authors will run from May to September 2026, to be announced in March.

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