Foyles has announced a three-week festival in June to coincide with the opening of its new store on Charing Cross Road. PD James and Michael Palin (pictured) lead a cast including Sarah Waters, Simon Armitage and chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Alongside book signing events, there will be jazz and classical concerts, lunchtime talks, topical debates, film screenings and creative workshops also taking place in the new flagship store. Other events confirmed include a performance by the newly-formed Foyles Festival Chorus – led by Juliet Russell with both staff and customers in its number.

Designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, the new flagship sits at the heart of Charing Cross Road and is designed to become a ‘cultural hub’ for the bookseller.