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Dua Lipa to curate the 2026 London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre
Dua Lipa will lead the 2026 London Literature Festival as guest curator, bringing her Service95 Book Club to the Southbank Centre for a special programme celebrating reading and storytelling.
The Southbank Centre has announced that global pop star and Service95 Book Club founder Dua Lipa will curate the 2026 London Literature Festival, taking place from October 21 to November 1.
The singer will oversee a selection of events across the festival, including a specially curated opening weekend on October 24 and 25.
The announcement comes during the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year and the UK’s National Year of Reading, making this edition of the festival one of its most significant yet. Now in its 19th year, the London Literature Festival remains the capital’s longest‑running celebration of books, writers and spoken word.
Dua launched the Service95 Book Club in 2023 as part of her wider cultural platform, spotlighting monthly book picks and hosting in‑depth conversations with authors on its companion podcast. She has also used the platform to champion readers who face barriers to accessing books, including those affected by censorship or incarceration.
Reflecting on her new role, Dua said: “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.
"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.
"I can’t wait to dive into the imaginations of some of my favourite authors in one of London’s most iconic cultural spaces.”
Southbank Centre Artistic Director Mark Ball said Dua’s involvement aligns perfectly with the organisation’s anniversary mission to celebrate creativity and imagine the future through art and culture.
He said: “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 she will take the reins of our flagship London Literature Festival.”
Head of Literature and Spoken Word Ted Hodgkinson added that Dua’s enthusiasm for books has helped spark a wider conversation about reading.
He said: “Books and reading belong to us all and Dua is the ultimate champion of the role they can play in our lives.
“Her passion and insight have shone a light on reading as a creative and collaborative act.”
Dua’s festival programme, created in partnership with the Service95 Book Club, will feature a mix of established authors, emerging voices and free public events.
It forms part of a wider anniversary season that includes Danny Boyle’s You Are Here, Harry Styles’ Meltdown, Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest, and a major Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Hayward Gallery.
The full line‑up and ticket release dates for Dua Lipa’s London Literature Festival will be announced in summer 2026.
