Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

British singer Dua Lipa will become the curator of the 2026 London Literature Festival, one of the UK’s oldest annual literary events. The festival will take place at the Southbank Centre, one of London’s most important cultural venues, AzerNEWS reports.

Dua Lipa will oversee the programme through her Service95 Book Club, which she launched in 2022 as part of her wider creative platform. The book club has become a space for discovering new authors, discussing important stories, and connecting readers from around the world.

During the festival’s opening weekend on October 24–25, Lipa will personally host a series of conversations with renowned writers and artists. On October 24, she will discuss her literary debut White Teeth with acclaimed author Zadie Smith. She will also appear on stage with American singer and poet Patti Smith, as well as musician and poet Mustafa, for a special discussion about creativity and storytelling.

The programme will also feature a conversation with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, a poetry evening with Kate Tempest, and many other literary events. Organisers aim to create a unique atmosphere where literature, music, and modern culture come together, highlighting the connections between different forms of artistic expression.

Previous curators of the festival have included famous figures such as Tom Hanks, Margaret Atwood, and Malala Yousafzai. Dua Lipa’s appointment reflects the growing influence of musicians and artists beyond their traditional fields, showing how popular culture can inspire interest in books and reading.

The London Literature Festival will run from October 20 to November 1, 2026, as part of the celebrations for Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary and the UK’s National Year of Reading.