Events at Chelsea 2026
Events at Chelsea
Make the most of your visit to Chelsea Rare Book Fair by joining one of our events running on Saturday 31st October. This year, our tours take in some spooky highlights of the fair, as well as an insight into the recent resurgence of interest in the Classics.
All tours are free to attend, but please register using the links below to secure your place, as spaces are limited.
All tours meet in the cafe at Chelsea Old Town Hall.
Spooktacular’ Stories : Weird, wonderful and strange books at Chelsea Rare Book Fair
With Rebekah Cron
Saturday 31st October, 1pm
Why do we celebrate Halloween? How has Halloween been represented throughout history? What makes certain books - Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde, Dracula - become such classics? And what is it about the act of the unexplained that so fascinates us? Rebekah Cron of Fold the Corner books will be guiding visitors on a tour around Chelsea Rare Book Fair, exploring how as humans we have imagined, feared, and represented the supernatural throughout history. From well-known titles to unique manuscripts and objects of mystery and intrigue, join us for an hour of storytelling - if you dare!
Book NowBeyond the Odyssey: Journeys and Homecomings
With Elisabeth Grass
Saturday 31st October, 2pm
This tour, lead by Elisabeth Grass of Blackwell's Rare Books, will explore the continuing fascination with Homer’s Odyssey and other journeys from the classical world, through the books on offer at Chelsea. We will examine interesting editions, later retellings, and the power of fictional and foundational homecomings.
Book NowHighlights of Chelsea Book Fair
With Les Ashton
Saturday 31st October, 3pm
Les Ashton of Ashton Rare Books focuses on a selection of books at the fair to explain what really makes a book a ‘highlight’. He will be particularly focusing on Modern Firsts, i.e. Books from 1900 onwards, with a seasonal nod towards spooky tales a ghost stories. The tour will be emphasising the importance of dust jackets, signatures, associations, fashion and scarcity in making a title and a particular copy special.
A great chance to learn more about twentieth century first editions from an expert, this tour is not to be missed by collectors and enthusiasts.
Book Now