London Literature Festival Opens, Curated by Dua Lipa

The London Literature Festival 2026 opened on Wednesday 21 October at the Southbank Centre on Belvedere Road, Waterloo, running until Sunday 1 November. This year's edition is curated by pop star and Service95 Book Club founder Dua Lipa, marking the first time a musician has led the programme. The 12-day festival features some of the most prominent names in contemporary writing. Highlights include an in-conversation between Dua Lipa and Zadie Smith on 24 October discussing Smith's novel White Teeth; Sudanese-Canadian musician Mustafa discussing his poetry collection NOUR on the same day; Patti Smith discussing her memoir Bread of Angels on 25 October; a translated fiction showcase and events with Malorie Blackman on 28 October; and a panel on threats to free expression on 31 October. A creative writing masterclass with Pulitzer Prize-winner Hisham Matar is also among the highlights. The festival opened on 21 October with an event featuring author Hernán Díaz. Ticket prices vary by event, with bookings through the Southbank Centre website. The festival is one of London's leading annual literary events and draws readers and writers from across the world.