Dua Lipa is set to interview Zadie Smith at the London Literature Festival, headlining a star-studded lineup curated by the pop star. The festival, running from October 21 to November 1 at the Southbank Centre, will feature conversations with literary icons and emerging voices, all selected through Lipa's Service95 book club.
Dua Lipa's Curated Festival Program
The Brit award-winning singer has shaped a diverse program that blends literature, poetry, and music. Lipa described curating the festival as “a true joy,” aiming to bring together “some of the most exciting writers, poets, and thinkers from around the globe.” The lineup includes Nobel laureate Nadia Murad, poet Mustafa, and a conversation between Ta-Nehisi Coates and Tareq Baconi on Palestine.
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Key Events and Interviews
On October 24, Lipa will sit down with Zadie Smith to discuss her debut novel, White Teeth, published when Smith was just 24. The conversation will explore “learning to live with an artistic legacy earned at such a young age” and how the novel's characters might fare in Britain today. The following night, Lipa interviews Patti Smith about her memoir Bread of Angels, covering her life, marriage to Fred “Sonic” Smith, and return to music.
Other highlights include a poetry and music night with Kae Tempest, a translated fiction showcase, and Censorship Live!, a collaboration with English PEN on free expression. The festival also marks the 19th year of this beloved literary event.
Dua Lipa's Book Club and Advocacy
Lipa launched her Service95 book club in 2023 as an extension of her cultural platform, featuring monthly selections and long-form author interviews with writers like Margaret Atwood, George Saunders, and Olga Tokarczuk. Last month, she opened a permanent collection of 100 banned, censored, and challenged books inside Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal.
Comparison: Festival Highlights vs. Regular Events
| Feature | London Literature Festival 2025 | Typical Literary Festivals |
|---|---|---|
| Curator | Dua Lipa (pop star) | Literary editors or academics |
| Headline Act | Zadie Smith interview | Keynote author talk |
| Unique Elements | Music and poetry fusion | Panels and workshops |
| Audience Reach | Pop culture + literary fans | Mostly literary enthusiasts |
Key Takeaways for Attendees
- Book early for high-demand sessions with Dua Lipa and Zadie Smith.
- Explore diverse voices, from Nobel laureates to emerging poets.
- Don't miss Censorship Live! for timely discussions on free speech.
- Check Service95 for exclusive festival content and book club picks.