British pop sensation Dua Lipa has been announced as the curator for the 2026 London Literature Festival, marking its 19th edition. This event will take place at the Southbank Centre, coinciding with the venue’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
The festival is scheduled to run from October 21 to November 1, featuring a diverse array of events that Lipa will help shape in partnership with her Service95 book club. This initiative is part of a broader celebration of literature during the UK’s National Year of Reading.
Lipa, who established her book club in 2023 as an extension of her cultural platform Service95, has emerged as a strong advocate for reading. Through her monthly book selections and in-depth author interviews, she has highlighted both established authors and emerging literary talents, including discussions with notable figures such as Margaret Atwood, George Saunders, and Olga Tokarczuk.
“Reading has anchored me through every chapter of my life – from being the new kid at school in a new country to finding quiet refuge on tour,” Lipa expressed. “Curating the Southbank Centre’s London literature festival is a dream come true. I’m thrilled to indulge one of my greatest obsessions: books and the brilliant minds behind them.”
Mark Ball, the artistic director of the Southbank Centre, remarked on Lipa’s influence, stating, “Dua Lipa is a global cultural force with millions of fans around the world, and her passion for the written and spoken word has inspired a new generation of readers. We’re absolutely thrilled that Dua will take the reins of our flagship London literature festival.”
The 2026 festival will include a combination of ticketed and free events, showcasing both Lipa’s favorite authors and new literary voices. Last year, the festival was curated by Self Esteem, and previous notable participants have included Ai Weiwei, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Margaret Atwood, Philip Pullman, Tom Hanks, and Yulia Navalnaya.
Southbank Centre’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations
The Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary program will also feature a variety of events, including a large-scale site takeover titled You Are Here, conceived by Danny Boyle, Paulette Randall, Gareth Pugh, and Carson McColl, scheduled for May 3. Other highlights include Harry Styles’s Meltdown festival from June 11 to June 21, Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest from September 4 to September 6, and a major exhibition celebrating Anish Kapoor’s return to the Hayward Gallery from June 16 to October 18.
These events will be complemented by a nationwide initiative aimed at engaging over one million people across more than 40 towns and cities throughout the UK, encompassing various forms of art, literature, and music.
Ted Hodgkinson, head of literature and spoken word at the Southbank Centre, noted that Lipa’s efforts have ignited a global dialogue surrounding literature. “In the National Year of Reading, we’re delighted to be collaborating with Dua for the Southbank Centre’s London literature festival, to draw fresh audiences into our iconic spaces,” he added.
The complete program for this year’s festival is anticipated to be unveiled during the summer months.
