Last Updated on 02/01/2024 by Emma Purcell
London Literature Festival is the longest-running celebration of the written and spoken word of its kind in the capital and this year marks its 16th edition, with prestigious literary names alongside rising stars.
The 2023 edition of the London Literature Festival features George the Poet, Yu Miri, Teju Cole, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ed Gamble, Kerry Washington, Jacqueline Wilson and more.
Every year, the festival brings together readers of every age to celebrate the power of the written and spoken word, featuring prestigious literary names alongside rising stars.
For the first time, the opening night is guest-curated by George the Poet (pictured above), a London-born spoken word performer of Ugandan heritage critically acclaimed for his multi-award-winning podcast, Have You Heard George’s Podcast? Drawing on his innovative brand of musical poetry and unique artistic sensibilities, audiences can enjoy lively events by the artists making waves in the spoken word scene, working at the intersections of poetry, music, hip-hop, performance and powerful cultural commentary.
What you can expect at the London Literature Festival
Kicking off with a much-anticipated memoir launch by Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the Black British Book Festival brings its vibrant annual day-long festival to London Literature Festival this year, celebrating Black British authors across all genres.
Across its twelve-day programme, the London Literature Festival showcases the diversity of British culture around the UK. The festival also honours the local literary communities of London, both championing London’s emerging talent and reflecting on the experience of living in the city.
The Southbank Centre attracts major international names who bring exciting cultural events, delivered alongside free events and activities.
Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature & Spoken Word at the Southbank Centre, said: “London Literature Festival this year celebrates the explosive talent, energy and creativity of the city’s spoken word community. We’re excited to have George the Poet open the first weekend with a night dedicated to the artists he believes are driving the future of the art form.
Throughout the festival, we celebrate the emerging talents and pioneers of spoken word and its unmediated power to connect and captivate us, with events from the Poet Laureate for Lambeth, our own New Poets Collective and the Southbank Centre’s resident poetry and live music night, Out-Spoken. There are a range of collaborations across the twelve-day festival and I’m thrilled to welcome a fantastic programme curated by the Black British Book Festival, to further the Southbank Centre’s commitment to support and champion Black British talent.
London Literature Festival is a celebratory event for everyone to see shining new talent, hear from their favourite authors and enjoy our spaces with the free events on offer across the site.”
Accessibility information
Accessibility information, including wheelchair access, concession tickets, queuing exemptions and other facilities, can be found in each of the London Literature Festival Event Details on the Southbank Centre website. Simply, click on the event you’re interested in, scroll down to Venue and select Access.
The London Literature Festival will take place from the 18th to 29th October 2023.
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