Dua Lipa to Curate London Literature Festival 2026
The Southbank Centre has revealed that global superstar Dua Lipa—winner of Grammy and Brit Awards—will take the lead in curating the 2026 London Literature Festival. The announcement is especially significant as it coincides with the Centre’s 75th anniversary and the UK’s National Year of Reading.
Running from 21 October to 1 November 2026, the festival remains London’s longest‑standing celebration of the written word. Dua Lipa, who launched her acclaimed Service95 Book Club in 2023, will oversee the opening weekend on 24–25 October, while also shaping a series of international cultural collaborations throughout the two‑week program.
Since starting her book club, Lipa has become a passionate advocate for literacy, particularly among underrepresented communities. Reflecting on her new role, she shared that reading has been a constant anchor in her life and described curating the festival as “a dream come true.”
Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director, Mark Ball, praised her as a “global cultural force” whose creativity and enthusiasm will help connect audiences with some of the world’s most inspiring writers.
A Festival with Purpose
The 2026 edition arrives at a pivotal moment. A recent survey by the National Literacy Trust found that only one in three children read for pleasure. To address this, the festival—supported by Bukhman Philanthropies—will feature free events, interactive workshops, and even gaming collaborations designed to reignite a love of reading among young audiences.
Dua Lipa’s involvement adds to an already impressive anniversary lineup, which includes a site‑wide takeover by filmmaker Danny Boyle, Harry Styles’ Meltdown, and a major exhibition by Anish Kapoor at the Hayward Gallery.
Full program details and ticket information will be announced in summer 2026, but one thing is clear: with Dua Lipa at the helm, this year’s festival promises to be a landmark celebration of books, culture, and creativity.
