Dua Lipa to Curate 2026 London Literature Festival

Dua Lipa, the Grammy and Brit Award-winning pop star, has been announced as the curator for the 2026 London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre. This festival, which runs from October 21 to November 1, marks its 19th edition and is recognized as the longest-running literature and spoken word festival in the capital. Lipa's involvement is part of the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary celebrations and coincides with the UK's National Year of Reading.

Dua Lipa to Curate London Literature Festival 2026 at Southbank Centre

Lipa will shape a series of events during the festival, particularly focusing on the opening weekend of October 24-25, in collaboration with her Service95 Book Club, which she launched in 2023. The book club aims to promote reading by featuring monthly selections and author interviews, spotlighting both established and emerging literary voices. Lipa expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “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.”

NME | New Musical ExpressDua Lipa to Curate London Literature Festival 2026 at Southbank CentreDua Lipa to curate 2026 London Literature FestivalThe GuardianDua Lipa will curate this year’s London Literature Festival as part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary – and she’ll take over the Royal Festival Hall for a weekendDua Lipa has been tapped to curate the London Literature Festival 2026The Independent

The London Literature Festival serves as a platform to celebrate literary culture and aims to engage a diverse audience. Ted Hodgkinson, head of literature and spoken word at the Southbank Centre, emphasized Lipa's role in sparking a global conversation around books and her ability to draw fresh audiences into the festival. The festival will feature a mix of ticketed and free events, aiming to reach over one million people across more than 40 towns and cities in the UK.

The Guardian

The festival has a history of featuring prominent figures, with past curators including Self-Esteem in 2025. Notable past headliners have included Ai Weiwei, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Margaret Atwood. Lipa's curatorship continues this tradition of cross-disciplinary cultural engagement, positioning her among influential voices in the literary community.

Dua Lipa to curate 2026 London Literature Festival

Mark Ball, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, praised Lipa as a "global cultural force" whose passion for literature has inspired a new generation of readers. He expressed excitement about her ability to connect audiences with writers through her creative talent and advocacy.

The Independent

The full program for the 2026 London Literature Festival is expected to be announced in the summer, with details on ticket releases and specific events. The festival promises to be a highlight of the Southbank Centre's anniversary celebrations, alongside other major events such as Harry Styles' Meltdown festival and an exhibition by Anish Kapoor.

Dua Lipa to Curate London Literature Festival 2026 at Southbank Centre

• “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.” — Dua Lipa, Pop Star

The Independent

• “Books and reading belong to us all and Dua is the ultimate champion of the role they can play in our lives.” — Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature & Spoken Word, Southbank Centre

Dua Lipa to Curate London Literature Festival 2026 at Southbank Centre

• “We’re absolutely thrilled that Dua will take the reins of our flagship London literature festival.” — Mark Ball, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre

The Guardian