Literary Events & Readings in London

IAS Book Launch: Critical Conditions

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 18:00

University College London (UCL)

Literature

Join scholars at UCL's Institute of Advanced Studies for the launch of Critical Conditions. The evening features a brief introduction, a reading from the new book, and a moderated discussion on contemporary critical theory, offering a lively, academic atmosphere in a historic campus setting.

Zakia Sewell in conversation with Lanre Bakare

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 19:30

Daunt Books Notting Hill

Literature

Zakia Sewell engages in a lively literary conversation with Lanre Bakare at Daunt Books Notting Hill. An intimate evening exploring contemporary writing, storytelling, and ideas in a beloved bookshop, with author insights and audience Q&A.

Michelle Tea: Valencia at 25

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 20:00

London Review Bookshop

Literature

Author Michelle Tea marks the 25th anniversary edition of Valencia with a live reading at the London Review Bookshop. An intimate memoir evening in a beloved literary venue, pairing sharp humor with raw storytelling and insights into queer counterculture. A must for fans of contemporary memoir.

Baldwin: A Love Story — Conversation with Mendez

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 at 20:00

Foyles

Literature

Join author and critic Nicholas Boggs in conversation with Mendez for a lively exploration of Baldwin: A Love Story at Foyles. This literary talk delves into Baldwin's themes of love, identity, and memory, staged in the iconic bookstore.

North London Book Fest

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 · All day

Alexandra Palace

Literature

The North London Book Fest at Alexandra Palace brings together authors for intimate readings, Q&As, and lively panels celebrating contemporary literature. Attendees can discover new voices, hear fresh releases, and enjoy a vibrant, book-loving festival in a historic London venue.

Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason: To Be Young, Gifted and Black

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Join Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason for an insightful author talk at the North London Book Festival, discussing 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' at Alexandra Palace. This intimate discussion spotlights Black creativity and education, set in the iconic venue with a literary atmosphere.

Jeffrey Boakye: Musical World

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Jeffrey Boakye discusses his work 'Musical World' in an author-talk at the North London Book Festival, held at Alexandra Palace. A lively, thoughtful exploration of music, culture, and storytelling in a grand historic venue that fans and readers won't want to miss.

IAS Book Launch: Edith Wharton and German Culture

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 19:00

University College London (UCL)

Literature

Join the Institute of Advanced Studies at UCL for the launch of a new book, Edith Wharton and German Culture. The event surveys cross-Atlantic literary exchanges, with scholarly talks and a Q&A session exploring Wharton’s reception in Germany. An engaging evening for literature lovers and researchers.

Lizzy Stewart in Conversation with Caroline Roseberry Hunter

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 19:30

Daunt Books Notting Hill

Literature

Author Lizzy Stewart in conversation with Caroline Roseberry Hunter at Daunt Books Notting Hill. An intimate literary discussion exploring Stewart's work, storytelling, and artistic process in a classic bookseller setting.

Gillian Best in conversation with Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 19:30

Daunt Books Hampstead

Literature

Author Gillian Best engages in a probing conversation with Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan at Daunt Books Hampstead, exploring themes from Best's work in an intimate London bookshop setting.

Helena Attlee in conversation

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 19:30

Daunt Books Marylebone

Literature

Helena Attlee discusses her latest work in a moderated in-conversation at Daunt Books Marylebone. Expect insightful commentary on her writing, a few questions from the host, and an intimate Q&A in the beloved London bookstore.

Little Griefs book launch

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 20:00

The Poetry Society

Literature

Join The Poetry Society for the launch of Little Griefs, a new poetry collection. An intimate evening of readings and reflections on grief, with live performance and conversation in a classic London venue.

A Family Matter: Claire Lynch in conversation with Sara Pascoe

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 20:00

Foyles

Literature

At Foyles, join Claire Lynch in conversation with Sara Pascoe for an intimate discussion around A Family Matter, exploring themes of family, identity, and storytelling in a lively bookstore setting.

Friday Lates: Poetry Readings with SJ Fowler

Fri, 24 Apr 2026

The National Gallery

Literature

Friday Lates at MATERIAL Gallery invites you into an intimate poetry salon with SJ Fowler, where surreal lines meet sharp conversations, chalk-dust ambience, and a welcoming London crowd.

Chiaroscuro: Poetic interpretation of light and dark

Fri, 24 Apr 2026

The National Gallery

Literature

A literary salon at the National Gallery exploring light and shadow through poetry and live performance. Chiaroscuro invites audiences to experience art and verse in a gallery setting, with House Members contributing to the exhibition program. An intimate, thought-provoking blend of literature and performance.

Book Reading and Draw-along with Lauren Child: Moonsquirters and Greendrops

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 11:00

Young V&A

Literature

Join Lauren Child for a family-friendly book reading and draw-along of Moonsquirters and Greendrops at Young V&A. The interactive session blends storytelling with live drawing, suitable for children and their grown-ups. Tickets are £5; an intimate, artsy London event in a museum setting.

Ben Aaronovitch: Stone and Sky

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Author talk by Ben Aaronovitch at the North London Book Festival held at Alexandra Palace. The talk invites fans into Stone and Sky with insights into his writing, urban fantasy, and storytelling, followed by Q&A in a historic London venue.

Tessa Hadley: The Party

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Join author Tessa Hadley for an insightful talk about her novel The Party at the North London Book Festival, hosted in the iconic Alexandra Palace. Expect a thoughtful discussion of contemporary fiction, character, and craft in a welcoming literary setting.

Alan Hollinghurst: Our Evenings

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Renowned author Alan Hollinghurst discusses 'Our Evenings' at the North London Book Festival, hosted at Alexandra Palace. A refined literary evening of readings, insights, and audience Q&A in a grand historic venue.

Tom Rob Smith: Twenty Years Together

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Tom Rob Smith discusses 'Twenty Years Together' at the North London Book Festival, held at Alexandra Palace. An engaging author talk offering insight into his career and craft, set in the historic North London venue.

Free Verse Poetry Book and Magazine Fair 2026

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 13:00

The Poetry Society

Literature

A free poetry book and magazine fair at The Poetry Society in London. Browse poetry books, discover new journals, and meet poets and publishers, with readings and stalls offering fresh verse and literary conversations.

Laura Bates: The New Age of Sexism

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Author Laura Bates discusses her book The New Age of Sexism at the North London Book Festival, held at Alexandra Palace. The talk offers timely analysis and is ideal for readers interested in gender equality and contemporary feminism.

Author Talk: Kate Pankhurst at North London Book Festival

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Author Kate Pankhurst speaks at the North London Book Festival held at Alexandra Palace, sharing insights into her work and the art of storytelling. The talk invites book lovers to a historic London venue for an engaging literary conversation and audience Q&A.

Natasha Brown: Universality

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 at 12:00

Alexandra Palace

Literature

Author Natasha Brown discusses Universality at the North London Book Festival, held at Alexandra Palace. An insightful talk exploring themes of identity and society in contemporary fiction, with a follow-up Q&A.

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