With the UK more divided than ever, the idea of Englishness has re-emerged as a potent force in our culture and politics. In this timely book Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party, delves into our literary heritage to explore what it can teach us about the most pressing issues of our time. With host Claire Armitstead, former associate editor of the Guardian, Culture.

Dancer and entertainer Wayne Sleep talks to Marg Mayne about his life both on and off stage. In his memoir Just Different he looks back on the extraordinary times he has lived through, from dancing with ballet legends Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn to the prejudices he faced as a working-class, gay man and living through the Aids epidemic. Expect laughter, tears, and plenty of gossip.

Nick Harkaway's Karla's Choice is a thrilling return to the world of spy fiction's greatest writer, John le Carré. Nick Harkaway, whose real name is Nick Cornwell, talks to author and journalist Alex Preston about the shadowy world of George Smiley created by his father David Cornwell, who wrote as John le Carré – and why he decided to re-introduce the redoubtable agent and his steely nemesis in this page-turning plot of deceit and danger.

Trailblazing Irish author Eimear McBride, winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction for her instant classic, A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, talks to former Guardian Culture associate editor Claire Armitstead about her new novel set in London, in which a passionate love affair is tested to its limits.

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner talks to Julia Wheeler about Invasion, the latest of his bestselling Luke Carlton thrillers, which traces an ominous gathering of Chinese armed forces and the threat of unpredictable global conflict.

Buzzcocks bass player and lead guitarist Steve Diggle has been the driving force keeping the band alive since he first met Pete Shelley in 1976. He talks to music journalist Siân Pattenden about his new book Autonomy, Diggle’s definitive inside account of their shared musical legacy and complex friendship through the band’s rise, fall, and rise again.

Former Poet Laureate for Scotland Jackie Kay reads from her new collection, May Day, and shares stories from her unique journey to becoming ‘one of Britain’s most loved and lauded poets’, and her politically active life, from Reclaim the Streets to Gay Pride to Black Lives Matter. Jackie recently starred in BBC One’s In My Own Words series. She will be in conversation with writer Joelle Taylor.

Winner of the Costa Book of the Year for The Mermaid of Black Conch, Monique Roffey talks to author Jacqueline Crooks about her new novel Passiontide, set on a fictional Caribbean island where four women ignite revolution.

A vital reminder of the importance of direct action in turbulent times, Led By Donkeys will discuss their artistic acts of resistance against years of inept, corrupt Conservative rule in Britain. They will be in conversation with journalist, author and artist Siân Pattenden.

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Paralympic champion and Strictly Come Dancing star Jonnie Peacock shares experience and offers inspiration on chasing your dreams and being unstoppable, building confidence, overcoming setbacks and knowing you can achieve anything, no matter what you think your abilities might be. With host Caroline Carpenter.

Family event. Suitable for age 8+

Known for her creativity and individuality Dame Zandra Rhodes is one of the most significant figures in British fashion. She talks to Julia Wheeler about her archive of iconic garments, her life spent among rockstars and royalty, life-changing friendships and the highs and lows that come with being an era-defining designer.

Leeroy Thornhill, ex-member of The Prodigy, talks to author and music journalist Miranda Sawyer about the story of the first decade of the band, from the earliest raves to Japan and the United States in the late 1990s, by which point the band were one of the biggest on the planet.

Join Eliza Clark, author of Boy Parts and Penance, who will discuss her first collection of short stories, She's Always Hungry, with author Anna Bogutskaya. Expect the unsettling and revelatory, laced with Eliza's signature dark humour.

Join author and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer as she runs through her fantastic assemblage of key music artists of the 1990s – Oasis, Blur, The Prodigy, Suede, Chemical Brothers, Radiohead, PJ Harvey and more. She talks to music journalist Siân Pattenden about a time when British music meant everything, and the mad exhilaration of being right in the thick of it.

Jamaican reggae poet, activist and critic Linton Kwesi Johnson performs a selection of his poetry and talks about his latest book, Time Come, in conversation with author Jacqueline Crooks.