Autumn is just made for curling up in a ball, hibernating, and reading a book with a cuppa as the sun goes down. At least, that’s how many of us probably romantically envisage it as we enjoy the rest of the summer.
In reality, the need to get out of the house at least some of the time will scupper part of this picture we’ve painted, but all is not lost. The annual London Literature Festival at the South Bank is here to save the day, as it returns for its 17th year this October to give you an autumnal dose of book-themed fun.
The London Literature Festival 2024
Running from October 23 to November 3, British rapper Justin Clarke aka Ghetts is on co-curating duties for the first weekend of the festival – which is all about celebrating the links between London’s poetry and music. Ghetts himself will perform at the Royal Festival Hall on the Saturday (October 26), where attendees can hear tracks from his acclaimed 2024 record On Purpose.
On the following day (October 27), you can attend the Ghetts Presents evening of poetry and music coming together, with exciting names performing across the evening including Yomi Ṣode and Belinda Zhawi.
Speaking on the festival, Ghetts said: “It’s an honour to co-curate the opening weekend of London Literature Festival and to explore the links between poetry and music with a night of the best in London’s creative communities.
“As a writer and lyricist, literature sits at the heart of what I do, so I’m excited to bring together lovers of spoken and written word to celebrate the incredible power of contemporary literature at the Southbank Centre.”
Elsewhere across the festival, you can waltz around the literary wonderland comprised of both free and paid-for events. Queen Elizabeth Hall will host Hanif Kureishi on October 31, where the playwright and author who suffered a fall that left him paralysed will discuss his memoir on his life after the accident, The Buddha of Suburbia.
You can view a full list of events and buy your tickets here.