Deptford Literature Festival celebrates the diversity and creativity of Deptford and Lewisham. The festival takes place in spaces across Deptford and focuses on engaging local communities with local writers through stories, words and performance.
Set up in 2020, the 2026 Deptford Literature Festival will take place from Saturday 21 – Saturday 28 March.
The majority of the 2026 festival will take place at Deptford Lounge over the course of one day, with a selection of pre-events programmed in the lead up to the festival. Download the full programme.
Deptford Literature Festival is run by London Writers Centre with creative producer Tom MacAndrew, with support from the Albany, Deptford Lounge and Lewisham Libraries. The festival is part of our ongoing campaign to make Lewisham the UK’s first Borough of Literature.
Writing workshops
For anyone who wants to have a go – whether you’re a regular or a complete beginner.
Family and children events
For our younger festival goers and their families. Expect lots of creative, imaginative and interactive fun!
Young people’s activities
For and by young people. Discover the next generation of emerging writers, poets and creatives.
Talks and panels
Featuring publishers, literary agents and renowned writers on their craft and their career. Network meet and greet!
Festival Hub
Come along and check out local literary talent and organisations, including book signings by authors.
Readings and performances
Explore what literature means to us today through live showcase, open mic and more.
2026 Programme
Supporters
-
The Albany
The Albany
The Albany is a multi-purpose, leading arts centre in Deptford, south-east London, supporting the people of Deptford for over 125 years. The Albany is the engine room for people to reach their creative potential, tell their stories and define their own culture. It is a registered charity and social enterprise.
-
Deptford Lounge
Deptford Lounge
Deptford Lounge is a landmark building at the heart of the community in Deptford. An award-winning, purpose built community hub, it programmes creative events delivered by its neighbour and South East London’s leading arts centre, the Albany.
-
Lewisham Libraries
Lewisham Libraries
Lewisham Libraries is the public library service for the London Borough of Lewisham, operating major hubs in Deptford, Downham, Lewisham, and Catford, plus community branches, offering books, digital resources (eBooks, audiobooks), Lewisham Heritage archives, events like the Imagined Worlds festival, and outreach for programmes serving a diverse community with a strong focus on accessibility and community engagement. They have recently won national awards for for their events and activities for all ages.
