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Originally posted Tue 8 Sep 2026

The Southbank Centre's Literature & Spoken Word Winter ‘26/27 Programme

  • Literature & Spoken Word

The Literature & Spoken Word Winter Season follows hot on the heels of the latest edition of London Literature Festival, curated by Dua Lipa, and spotlights inspiring figures, household names and emerging talent from across the literary landscape. Rounding off its 75th anniversary year and stepping into 2027, the Southbank Centre presents a bold and wide-reaching programme designed to reach new audiences and inspire a love for reading in all ages.

Highlights include:

  • Meta whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams delivers the 2026 Orwell lecture on 26 November 2026.
  • Indie Night returns on 4 December 2026 and 26 February 2027, platforming the best of independent publishing.
  • Readings from the shortlists of the Booker Prize, hosted by Sara Collins (8 November 2026) and the TS Eliot Prize, hosted by Ian McMillian (17 January 2027).
  • Writers Mary Beard, Paul Muldoon, Gwendoline Riley and Ben Markovits discuss the state of literature to celebrate The TLS at 125 on 30 January 2027.
  • Regular favourites including Out-Spoken and Rug Rhymes return (various dates from 13 November 2026).

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