Wimbledon BookFest returns next month with a star-studded line-up of authors, sports stars, comedians, politicians and broadcasters.

From October 5 to 15, there will be more than 70 events and talks, with some already selling out. Here’s 10 things you don’t want to miss. Aside from the opening night, these events all take place at the Baille Gifford Big Tent on Wimbledon Common

Opening night: Ali Smith in conversation with Samira Ahmed

One of the UK’s most successful novelists, Ali Smith has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times and her latest novel Autumn is the first in her book-a-year quartet called Seasonal. She will be in conversation with Samira Ahmed at The Space in Wimbledon Library on October 5.

Judy Murray in conversation with John Inverdale

The mum of tennis champions Andy and Jamie Murray, and an icon in her own right, will talk to the veteran broadcaster following the release of her memoir Knowing the Score, from 8.30pm on Friday, October 6.

Chris Riddell talks about Goth Girl

The former Children’s Laureate, who has worked with the likes of Quentin Blake, Michael Rosen and Neil Gaiman, will discuss his new book from 10.30am on Saturday, October 7.

Wimbledon International Short Film Festival

Guardian film critic Xan Brooks will host an evening of new and innovative work in film and video from 7.30pm on October 7. The evening of screenings will be followed by a prize giving ceremony.

Salman Rushdie in conversation with Rizia Iqbal

The multi-award winning author returns to Wimbledon from 5.30pm on Sunday, October 8, to discuss his modern day thriller The Golden House, which is set against American culture and post-Obama politics.

Peggy Seeger talks about her memoir First Time Ever with DJ John Kennedy

The folk singer, who was the inspiration for the ballad The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, will talk to locally-based DJ John Kennedy from 7.15pm on Friday, October 13.

Diversify with June Sarpong

The TV presenter and co-founder of the Women: Inspiration and Enterprise Network will argue the case for how limited we are by social division while inspiring us to make a change, from 2.30pm on Saturday, October 14.

Comedy on Wimbledon Common

Joe Lycett headlines a night of comedy from 8.30pm on Saturday, October 14. The bill includes James Acaster and Suzi Ruffell. The MC for the night is two-time Chortle Best Compere nominee Laura Lexx.

Football School book event sponsored by AFC Wimbledon Foundation

BookFest’s very own pop-up football school comes to the big tent from 10.45am on Sunday, October 15.

Closing event: Matt Haig discusses his novel How to Stop Time

The bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive, The Radleys and The Humans will talk about his latest novel about a man who has been alive for centuries, from 8pm on Sunday, October 15. How to Stop Time has already been option for a film, with Benedict Cumberbatch attached to star and has been in the top ten for almost a year.

For more information and tickets, go to Wimbledonbookfest.org