Renowned pop singer and founder of the Service95 book club, Dua Lipa, has taken on the role of curator for the London Literature Festival 2026. The artist, whose influence extends far beyond the music industry, has shaped a unique program of events scheduled to take place at the Southbank Centre from October 20 to November 1. This move highlights the performer's deep engagement with the literary process and her commitment to promoting reading among her massive audience.
The Artist's Literary Horizons
Within the curated program prepared by Dua Lipa, key events are scheduled for October 24 and 25. The singer will personally moderate discussions with central figures in contemporary literature. One of the most anticipated meetings will be a conversation with British writer Zadie Smith, focusing on her cult debut novel, "White Teeth." Additionally, Dua Lipa will meet with Canadian author and musician Mustafa and will engage in a discussion with the legendary Patti Smith, who will present her memoir, "M Train."
Program and Discussion Panels
In addition to author meet-and-greets, the Service95 team is organizing a series of discussions covering pressing topics: from the influence of censorship in art to issues of male vulnerability and the connection between music and literature. Notable writers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Hernan Diaz, Malorie Blackman, and many others will participate in the festival. Special attention will be paid to supporting young writers, for whom special free sessions are provided.
Book Club as a Lifestyle
Dua Lipa's participation in organizing the festival is a natural continuation of her Service95 Book Club project, launched in 2023. The club has become a platform for discussing world literature, selecting significant works each month. In October 2026, the club's focus is on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Klara and the Sun." The singer herself admits that reading has always served as her primary source of inspiration and psychological stability during tour periods.
Contradictory Information
It should be noted that discrepancies have arisen in the information space regarding the status of Dua Lipa's participation. Official Southbank Centre releases indicate her role as a curator of part of the festival program, while some media outlets have misinterpreted this as her "heading" the entire oldest literature festival in the UK. It is important to emphasize that the artist curates a special section of the program, while the festival as a whole retains its structure under the leadership of the Southbank Centre.
