Fireworks

Spectacular fireworks, a fun fair, food stalls and entertainment are promised at Richmond Athletic Ground on Sunday.

Thousands are expected to attend the ticket-only event where the gates open at 4.30pm.

The glittering fireworks display, choreographed to iconic tunes, begins at 7.00pm while the funfair and stalls stay open until 9.00pm; and the bar until 11pm.

Basement Door, the Richmond-based charity, will be entertaining the crowds on the main pitch from 5.45pm and Studio K, the Richmond-based dance studio, will also be performing in the build-up.

Organisers said: "You will find an array of food on offer from hamburgers through to crepes; mulled wine; tea, coffee and a fully licensed bar."

Visitors are advised to arrive early in order to negotiate security and bag checks.

Event details and tickets.

Such is the demand for a family night of fun that a Bonfire Night fireworks event at Barnes Sports Club on Saturday evening is already sold out but promises to be a spectacle to any onlookers.

Literature Festival

Stars from the world of books join historians, campaigners and experts to bring fireworks to the 30th Richmond Literature Festival.

Book lovers will come face-to-face with best-selling authors, such as Kate Mosse, to discuss their work and how people 'come back stronger' from the pandemic.

It begins on Friday, November 5, with a panel discussion led by bestselling author of The Burning Chambers Series, Kate Mosse, writer and filmmaker Juliet Jacques, and Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton.

Among the many other highlights is a discussion on the issue of climate change, which will be led campaigners Jonathon Porritt and Dr Alice Bell. It will be held at the Landmark Centre, on Sunday, November 7.

Elodie Harper discusses her much-praised novel The Wolf Den, which is described as a stunning first foray into historical fiction and explores Pompeii's infamous brothels, with BBC Radio 4 presenter Samira Ahmed.

Monique Roffey, winner of the 2020 Costa Book Of The Year for The Mermaid of Black Conch, joins Courttia Newland in conversation to discuss their approaches to exploring contemporary issues through literary fiction.

Other well-known participants include Anita Sethi, the author of Wainwright Prize-nominated memoir 'I Belong Here', journalist and author, Steve Richards; diplomat and intelligence chief, Peter Ricketts; New York Times-bestselling author Anne Sebba; and the author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.

Venues hosting events include the Old Town Hall, Richmond; Orleans House Gallery; the OSO Arts Centre, Barnes; The Exchange, Twickenham; Duke Street Church, Richmond; The Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington; Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College; Whitton Sports Centre; and libraries in Teddington, Hampton, Twickenham, Whitton, and East Sheen.

Richmond Theatre

Gloriously daft TV comedian and local resident, Milton Jones, brings his one man show to Richmond Theatre on Sunday.

It appears the familiar face to residents, often seen out jogging, has been hiding a secret. For in his show, which is almost sold out, Milton reveals the truth about being an international spy, before being given a disappointing new identity which forced him to appear on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and many other TV and radio shows.

Tickets available here.

We Gather

We Gather is a series of street events, including live music, storytelling, entertainment and open air classes, in the centre of Richmond.

The events are centred on Whittaker Avenue, which runs from the town towards the riverside, and will take place from today through to the end of November.

Today – November 4 – the attractions include a Lantern and Illuminations Workshop and a Mask and headdress making experience.

At lunchtime on Friday, free massage treatments are on offer from bhuti, and the Perrin Jazz Collective will entertain crowds in the evening.

On Saturday there are a series of African-themed events including family drumming, dance and storytelling workshops.

The event is being organised by Be Richmond.