SWF Livestream: Ben Macintyre, The Siege

Next date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 | 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Examining a pivotal moment in political history

On 30 April 1980, armed gunmen stormed the Iranian embassy in London and took 26 hostages in what would become a six-day siege.

Millions around the world were glued to their TVs as the previously secret SAS planned and executed a rescue mission.

Ben Macintyre’s The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama recounts minute-by-minute the negotiations, media frenzy and cutting-edge intelligence work that changed a nation forever. It draws on unpublished source material and interviews with members of the SAS, hostages and witnesses, providing unprecedented insight.

Join Ben as he discusses his definitive account of this astonishing event.

In conversation with Richard Fidler (ABC Radio National’s Conversations). Supported by ARA.

SWF Live & Local @ Gerringong Library

This event is part of the Sydney Writers' Festival Live & Local program livestreaming direct from the Sydney Writers' Festival at Carriageworks to Gerringong Library from Thursday 22 May to Sunday 25 May.

Livestreamed sessions run over four days at Gerringong Library, and include the Moriarty sisters, Markus Zusak, Helen Garner, Gina Chick, Colm Tóibín, Ian Rankin, Jeff Kinney, Barry Cassidy and friends, and more.

Book individual sessions or a full day ticket.

Morning and afternoon tea is available between sessions (where indicated on the program) - stay for a chat!

Bookings are essential for this free event (if you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so someone else can have your place).

Book online or call 02 4233 1133.