Dua Lipa to Lead London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre in 2026
Brit Award-winning pop sensation Dua Lipa has been announced as the curator for the upcoming London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre. This exciting development marks a significant moment in the festival's history, now entering its 19th year, and forms a key part of the Southbank Centre's extensive 75th anniversary celebrations.
Festival Details and Collaboration
The festival is scheduled to run from October 21st to November 1st, 2026, with Dua Lipa taking a leading role in shaping the programming, particularly during the opening weekend and beyond. She will collaborate closely with her Service95 book club, which she launched in 2023 as an extension of her broader cultural platform. This initiative aligns perfectly with the UK's National Year of Reading, highlighting the importance of literary engagement across the nation.
Dua Lipa's Literary Advocacy
Dua Lipa has increasingly positioned herself as a powerful advocate for reading and literary culture. Through her Service95 book club, she features monthly book selections and conducts in-depth author interviews, showcasing both established literary figures and emerging voices. Notable interviews have included conversations with acclaimed authors 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."
Organizational Enthusiasm
Mark Ball, the artistic director of the Southbank Centre, praised 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."
Ted Hodgkinson, head of literature and spoken word at the Southbank Centre, added: "Lipa's work has sparked a global conversation around books. 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."
Festival Programming and Context
The 2026 edition will feature a diverse mix of ticketed and free events, highlighting both favorite writers selected by Dua Lipa and introducing new literary talents. This follows last year's curation by Self Esteem and a prestigious list of previous headliners including Ai Weiwei, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Margaret Atwood, Philip Pullman, Tom Hanks, and Yulia Navalnaya.
Broader Anniversary Celebrations
The Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary programme extends beyond the literature festival, featuring several high-profile events:
- You Are Here – A large-scale site takeover conceived by Danny Boyle, Paulette Randall, Gareth Pugh, and Carson McColl (May 3rd)
- Harry Styles's Meltdown (June 11th–21st)
- Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest (September 4th–6th)
- A major exhibition marking Anish Kapoor's return to the Hayward Gallery (June 16th–October 18th)
These events will be complemented by a nationwide programme spanning art, literature, and music, with ambitions to reach over one million people across more than 40 towns and cities throughout all four nations of the UK.
The full programme for the 2026 London Literature Festival is expected to be announced over the summer, generating anticipation among literary enthusiasts and Dua Lipa fans alike.
