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The Royal Festival Hall is closed to the public on Tuesday 11 August from 8pm.
People browse books at tables in a large, wide brutalist hall with exposed concrete pillars and warm wooden ceiling lights.
View all events for category: Literature & poetry

Creative Future Writers' Day

Sun 25 Oct 2026, 10.30am

Writers, publishers and literary professionals share hints, tips and initiatives in a day of talks and panel events.

Run time 5 hours and 15 minutes (approx)
Free – no ticket required

Whether you are just starting out as a writer, or have been writing for years, this event is the perfect opportunity to gain inside insight from literary professionals that could help advance your writing career.

The day includes short talks from Creative Future and other leading writing development agencies, followed by panel events with Q&As, including with successful self-published authors from under-represented backgrounds, poetry publishers and literary agents.

The event also sees a literary fair take over the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, with literary organisations and publishers exhibiting their work and welcoming chats with all attending.

Schedule

10.30am – 10.45am: Introduction and about the Creative Future Writers’ Award

10.45am – 11.45am: Meet the writing organisations
Short talks from Creative Future, Curtis Brown Creative, Faber Academy, The Literary Consultancy, Writers & Artists and more.

12 noon – 1pm: From self-published to success
Featuring authors Leke Apena, Pip Landers-Letts and Clare Lydon.

1.30pm – 2.30pm: Getting your poetry published
Featuring Anthony Anaxagorou (Out-Spoken), Jane Commane (Nine Arches Press) and more to be announced.

2.45pm – 3.45pm: Meet the agents
Giving you insider knowledge on acquiring representation and demystifying the publishing process. Featuring Liv Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Agency), Amandeep Singh (Graham Maw Christie Agency) and Sarah Stamp (Soho Agency).

Presented in partnership with Creative Future, and in association with Service95 Book Club.

Founded by Dua Lipa, the Service95 Book Club is a space to enjoy all things literary, including Dua’s hand-picked Monthly Reads and her exclusive author interviews, plus new book trends, recommendations from the Service95 team and more ways for you to read the world differently.

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 15+
Event information

Talks take place in the Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the literary fair takes place in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer.

This event is also available to watch via live stream.

Times & tickets

Dates, times and prices

Dates & times

25 Oct 2026, 10.30am

Run time

5 hours and 15 minutes (approx)

All timings are approximate and subject to change

Standard entry

Free – no ticket required

Concessions

Learn more about concession discounts

Refunds and exchanges

Find out more about our refund and exchange policy

Access

Accessible events

The performance on Sunday 25 October at 10.30am is Speech-to-Text transcribed

You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
All our access information

For your visit

This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre

The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.