London Literature Festival 2024

In the fall, Southbank Center gathers writers, award-winning authors, thinkers, cultural observers, and book warms for the London Literature Festival. The event celebrates the power of the written word and reflects on our world and its burning issues. From Greek classics to contemporary America's politics—the festival's discussions touch upon every critical issue.

Every year the festival has a different theme, like the celebration of Homer’s Odyssey. This timeless classic was discussed through talks, readings, and workshops many times at the festival with writers like Mary Beard and Madeline Miller. Past years' highlights also included Hilary Clinton's appearance to discuss her book What Happened.

Among the other festival's guests of the previous years were writer Bryan Washington, writer and photographer Teju Cole, poet and writer Dylan Thomas, actor and comedian Simon Pegg, actress Kerry Washington, actor and comedian Nick Frost, and actress and singer Jada Pinkett Smith.

Location

London Literature Festival takes place at Southbank Centre.

London Literature Festival History

London Literature Festival was established in 2007 with the goal of celebrating the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall following refurbishment. Since then, the Festival has become a landmark event in the literature life of London.