Set up in 2020 and taking place in London Writers Centre’s home borough of Lewisham, the annual Deptford Literature Festival celebrates the diversity and creativity of Deptford and Lewisham through words, stories and performance.
The festival happens in spaces across Deptford, offering a wide range of activities: interactive talks and panels; writing workshops; children and young people’s events; a Festival Hub with book signings and live readings and more.
The 2026 Deptford Literature Festival will run from Saturday 21 to 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 below.
Deptford Literature Festival is run by London Writers Centre and creative producer Tom MacAndrew, with support from Arts Council England, Deptford Lounge, Lewisham Libraries and the Albany. The festival is part of our ongoing campaign to make Lewisham the UK’s first Borough of Literature.
News
Volunteer at Deptford Literature Festival 2026
Are you interested in being a part of a vibrant community literature event?
Deptford Literature Festival 2026 now open for booking!
We’re delighted to share the full programme for Deptford Literature Festival 2026, taking place from
Access at Deptford Literature Festival
Deptford Literature Festival Environmental Statement + Impact Report
Supporters
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Arts Council England
Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the UK’s national development agency for creativity and culture, investing public money from the government and National Lottery into artists, museums, libraries, and cultural organisations to enrich lives and ensure everyone can access and benefit from high-quality arts experiences across England.
Previous Festivals
Images: Kashif Haque.
