The Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival is back for its eighteenth edition this autumn, and the 2025 line-up is an absolute feast for literature lovers, music fans, families, and culture seekers alike. Running from Tuesday 21 October to Sunday 2 November, the festival promises dazzling conversations, thrilling performances, and a powerful celebration of words in all their forms.
Here are five things you need to know about this year’s unmissable event:
1. Self Esteem Takes Centre Stage as Guest Curator
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known as Self Esteem, is stepping into the curator’s chair for a special day of events on Saturday 1 November.
Fresh off the success of her new album A Complicated Woman and ahead of the release of her debut book of the same name (out 30 October), Self Esteem brings her boundary-breaking creative energy to the festival.
She’ll be in conversation with writer and podcaster Dolly Alderton to launch the book, followed by an electrifying evening of music, poetry, and performance featuring artists like Tom Rasmussen, Travis Alabanza, Marged, and poetry legend Pam Ayres.
Best of all? Free events will be popping up across the Southbank Centre all day. Expect a genre-defying celebration of words, music, and artistry.
2. Superstar Authors and Global Icons in the Line-Up
The festival’s roster reads like a literary who’s who. Prepare for appearances from:
- Zadie Smith, discussing her new collection of essays on everything from Stormzy to global politics (2 Nov)
- Sebastian Faulks, launching his latest novel in a London exclusive (29 Oct)
- Malala Yousafzai, sharing stories from her powerful new memoir Finding My Way (2 Nov)
- Comedy and podcast star Adam Buxton, and beloved children’s author Michael Rosen
- A dynamic duo event with Reese Witherspoon and thriller titan Harlan Coben, who team up for a new thriller Gone Before Goodbye (24 Oct)
From cultural icons to acclaimed novelists, it’s a starry programme designed to dazzle.
3. Women’s Voices Front and Centre
This year’s festival shines a spotlight on international women writers pushing boundaries in contemporary literature. Highlights include:
- Sayaka Murata, author of Convenience Store Woman, exploring her new speculative novel (22 Oct)
- Acclaimed experimental writer Chris Kraus (I Love Dick) with a new work probing America’s fractured identity (23 Oct)
- Miles Franklin Award-winner Alexis Wright, as well as rising literary stars Bora Chung and Olga Ravn
It’s an unmissable showcase of storytelling that’s bold, original, and globally diverse.
4. Poetry Lovers, Rejoice!
On Saturday 25 October, poetry takes over the Southbank Centre.
The National Poetry Library’s annual Poetry Day features readings from:
- Simon Armitage, the Poet Laureate
- Poet and disability advocate Rachael Boast
- Legendary performer Jackie Kay
- The return of the popular Out-Spoken series, bringing spoken word and music together
With free events and big-name poets, it’s the perfect day to lose yourself in the power of verse.
5. A Festival for All Ages
Families are in for a treat this year. Look out for:
- Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the Children’s Laureate, leading special children’s events
- A stage adaptation of beloved classic Mog the Forgetful Cat
Plus, throughout the festival, there are free and ticketed events for kids and families—because great literature belongs to everyone.
🎟️ Tickets go on sale to Southbank Centre Members on Wednesday 9 July, and to the general public on Thursday 10 July.
Check out southbankcentre.co.uk for full listings and updates.
This autumn, the Southbank Centre promises to remind us why words—in any genre—still have the power to move, shake, and inspire.
Which author or event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!