Lambeth Literary Festival Returns for National Year of Reading

May 1, 2026

South London News Culture Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Lambeth Council's annual Readers and Writers Festival has returned for its 2026 iteration, spanning May and June with a programme of events designed to celebrate literature and creativity. The festival forms a significant part of the borough's ongoing National Year of Reading initiative.

Diverse Literary Programme Unveiled

The two-month festival offers a varied schedule catering to a range of literary interests. Attendees can engage with fiction through discussions with authors such as Remi Kone, discussing her crime series, and Marcia Hutchinson and Lisa Smith, who will explore their Women’s Prize longlisted novel, Mercy Step. A dedicated panel will showcase local literary talent, featuring Celia Silvani, Marni Appleton, and Rupert Dastur, aligning with the Year of Reading's aim to nurture local voices.

Exploring Non-Fiction and Creative Pursuits

Beyond fiction, the festival includes thought-provoking non-fiction events. Stephen Cushion is scheduled to discuss the legacy of slavery and its contemporary impact, while Sue Hubbard will examine the work of Welsh painter Gwen John. Legal experts, including Lambros Fatsis, will participate in a panel discussing Black music, racism, and criminal injustice. The festival will also feature a poetry session by Dee Majek focusing on writing about home, identity, and place.

The festival's scope extends to creative workshops and screenings. Nathaniel Price will lead discussions on screenwriting, and a screening of Author: The JT Leroy Story is planned. A local Author Book Fair and a discussion on the novel The Safekeep with the Lambeth LGBTQ+ reading group are also part of the programme. In collaboration with the Urban Tree Festival, poetry readings will take place under the "Poet-tree" initiative.

Sustaining Reading Momentum

The extended festival aims to maintain engagement throughout the National Year of Reading, encouraging residents to read for pleasure and utilise local library services. Information on the full programme and booking for free events can be found on the Lambeth Libraries Eventbrite page.

Author

South London News Culture Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

The South London News Culture Desk delivers essential reporting on the artistic and social forces defining life across the South East. From landmark premieres at The Old Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe to the evolving culinary landscapes of Borough and Greenwich Markets, our editorial staff provides rigorous coverage of the region's cultural infrastructure. We go beyond the marquee listings to offer industry analysis and community insights from local institutions like the South London Gallery, Horniman Museum, and the Southbank Centre, ensuring our readers remain connected to the creative economy driving our boroughs.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By championing both emerging grassroots talent and established South London institutions, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an authentic, human-led perspective on the cultural forces shaping our boroughs.