Southbank in London, right along the Thames is where the city’s cultural centre really shines.
From the National Theatre, to the Southbank Centre and the current Underbelly Festival that’s on right near The London Eye, there’s a lot to choose from; and now, thanks to the Southbank Centre, there’s even more.
They’ve just announced their most jam-packed literature season to date with more than 35 events taking place from September to December 2019 across its three auditoriums: the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room as well as in its National Poetry Library, Hayward Gallery and foyer spaces.
It’s a whole season of non-fiction talks and discussions with leading writers and thinkers on topics from atheism to parenting to talking to strangers.
It’ll also come with a raft of activities by leading authors who’ll talk about all things fiction, TV faces and comedians, reflecting on their careers with the launch of new books, live readings, panel discussions and new creative writing and poetry courses.
Here are some of the highlights to look forward to:
- Talks and in conversation events with leading writers and thinkers including psychotherapist Philippa Perry, science writer Richard Dawkins, cartoonist Randall Munroe, writer Will Self and journalist Malcolm Gladwell
- Appearances from TV personalities including documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski and The Great British Bake Off’s Nadiya Hussain who launch new books
- Comedians Richard Ayoade, in conversation with Adam Buxton, Sara Pascoe and Lenny Henry discussing new books whilst Hannah Gadsby brings her live show Douglas to Royal Festival Hall
- London exclusive appearances from award-winning fiction writers Malorie Blackman, Etgar Keret and Celeste Ng
- The continuation of Out-Spoken’s year-long residency at Southbank Centre with monthly masterclasses and live poetry and music nights featuring Anthony Anaxagorou, Hollie McNish, Liz Berry, Zaffar Kunial, Salena Godden and more
- London Review of Books celebrating its 40th anniversary with an exclusive, collaborative literary-music event featuring Anne Carson, Nico Muhly, Paul Muldoon and guests
- The return of National Poetry Library Lates and new free exhibitions in Southbank Centre’s National Poetry Library
And tonnes more. See the whole line up at the Southbank Centre’s website.
