With all our greatest writers and more turning out for this Celebration of Spoken Word, late October will be an absolute WordFest!
George the Poet guest-curates the opening night before the festival enjoys new memoirs from Sir Patrick Stewart, Kerry Washington, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg and a UK exclusive with Jada Pinkett Smith.
Internationally-acclaimed writers, including Yu Miri, Teju Cole, Bryan Washington, Oliver Jeffers and Helen Oyeyemi present anticipated new work.
Black British Book Festival partners with the Southbank Centre for the first time, bringing a memoir launch from Leigh-Anne Pinnock and a day-long festival.
Family events running over October half term, with new books from Jacqueline Wilson and Jeffrey Boakye and a London premiere from Zeb Soanes with the Orpheus Sinfonia.
Across its twelve-day programme, 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.
George the Poet, says: “I’m honoured to be a guest-curator for London Literature Festival this year, kicking off the festival with a night that brings together some of my favourite music and spoken word artists from London and beyond. The environment of London has been my teacher and inspiration, so I’m looking forward to celebrating the culture, sounds and poetry of the city in what promises to be a night to remember.”
The venerated stage and screen actor Sir Patrick Stewart presents his long-awaited memoir, Making It So, while esteemed actor Jada Pinkett Smith intimately recounts her story in her unconventional new memoir, Worthy. Actor and writer Nick Frost discusses A Slice of Fried Gold, his new memoir of friends, food and films, with his long-time collaborator Simon Pegg. The Black British Book Festival programme kicks off with the first public reading by Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock of her deeply personal memoir, Believe.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX from 18th – 29th October.
Tickets: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Full festival details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jMkwJTTYWVYoHxCVS6K6OyPU_4B3X7lCbSedexjSIiM/edit
