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Southbank Centre is the home of literature and spoken word events in the UK, and the venue for London Literature Festival and Poetry International. Our programme is brimming with today’s bestselling authors, award-winning poetry and spoken word, and dramatised readings of iconic novels from some of the world’s most inspiring writers.
The 2019 literature programme encompasses exclusive in-conversation discussions with award-winning authors including Marlon James, Angie Thomas, Ian McEwan and James Ellroy; a dramatic live reading of Max Porter's latest novel Lanny; debut novelists Candice Carty-Williams and Ocean Vuong on their much anticipated new novels; specially commissioned musical performances in response to The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris; a celebration of working class writers with the launch of the Common People Anthology; an expanded series of new courses, exhibitions, prizes and for poetry fans our series of National Poetry Library Lates and our new partnership with Out-Spoken will see the best new poetry showcased monthly.
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For your best chance to secure tickets to London's most exhilarating events, become a Southbank Centre Member.
If our literature programme has you feeling inspired to put pen to paper, but you're not sure how or where to start, join one of our writing courses led by professional writers.
Choose from a selection of poetry or prose classes (or both) to develop your talent and find your voice, guided by expert instruction.
Bearing Witness in Poetry with Mary Jean Chan
23 Apr – 2 Jul 2019
Navigating Otherness: A Creative Writing Course
24 Apr – 3 Jul 2019
Out-Spoken Poetry Masterclass: Anthony Anaxagorou
11 May 2019
Out-Spoken Poetry Masterclass: Joelle Taylor
15 Jun 2019
Out-Spoken Poetry Masterclass: Raymond Antrobus
13 Jul 2019