As the Southbank Centre celebrates the 75th anniversary of the historic Festival of Britain, it is launching its 2026 Spring Literature & Spoken Word Season with a vibrant programme aimed at uplifting both established icons and the next generation of literary talent. Remaining true to its legacy as a hub for boundary-pushing art since the Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951, the Centre continues to support artists at every stage of their creative journey.
Mark Ball, the Artistic Director at the Southbank Centre, states, “We’re particularly proud to support independent publishers and their writers through our new series, Indie Night, demonstrating our commitment to the artists of the future.” With world-class cultural experiences at its heart, this season is set to spotlight voices that challenge, inspire, and spark vital conversations.
A programme highlight includes a discussion with journalist and author Ece Temelkuran, alongside Brian Eno, featuring Temelkuran’s latest book, *Nation of Strangers*, on Thursday, 12 March, at 7:45 pm in the Purcell Room. This event is suitable for ages 13 and above.
Ece Temelkuran is known for her insightful warnings about the rise of fascism, and her voice resonates powerfully in today’s challenging global landscape. Her book, *Nation of Strangers: Rebuilding Home in the 21st Century*, is a deeply personal and politically astute collection of letters from one stranger to another. As oppression intensifies and uncertainty grows, Temelkuran’s poetic correspondence serves as a reminder that even as we become strangers in an ever-changing world, our sense of home can be rebuilt through the strength and solidarity we find in one another.
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For more details on the full Spring Literature & Spoken Word programme, please visit the Southbank Centre’s website.
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Image Credit – Joanna Paciorek, courtesy of Southbank Centre
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