London Literature Festival

Featuring Tom Hanks, Philip Pullman, Annie Leibovitz and a live reading of Nelson Mandela's memoirs, this year sees a specially expanded edition of the festival, exploring how literature and poetry can remind us of our shared humanity in a world on the brink.

The festival opens with the 50th anniversary of Poetry International, as established and emerging poets transport audiences across the globe.

Throughout the festival, writers from the North join British contemporaries as part of our Nordic Matters series, with the middle weekend dedicated to showcasing the brightest talents from across the region.

n the final week we offer family-friendly events to coincide with half-term, culminating in the return of Young Adult Literature Weekender.

From major authors including Philip Pullman in conversation in Royal Festival Hall to a host of free programming, our events come in all shapes and sizes, and offer timely insights into the power of literature.