Dua Lipa will be the guest curator of this year’s London Literature Festival, presented as part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year. The singer and bookworm will be hosting a takeover of the Royal Festival Hall on the London festival’s opening weekend, plus a series of events in conjunction with her Service95 Book Club.
23 October – 1 November 2026: River of Light, Liverpool, north-west England
River of Light transforms Liverpool’s waterfront into an illuminated wonderland with stunning large-scale installations. The 2026 edition marks the ninth year of the festival, which is free to attend.
As the autumn nights draw in there’s still so much to see and do, as the Cumbrian Dark Skies Festival shows. Wrap up and embrace all the wonderful outdoors activities that the Lake District National Park has to offer as darkness falls, from night-time canoeing on Coniston Water to swimming in Ullswater.
One of the largest film events in the UK, Leeds International Film Festival presents an incredible selection of the best new and classic films from around the world. Each year, audiences are invited to step in from the cold autumn weather and enjoy the power of cinema at some of Leeds’ favourite venues, including the Hyde Park Picture House and Everyman Leeds.
Held in the pretty village of Denholm, this annual autumn festival celebrates all things folk music. Featuring critically acclaimed bands and new talents alike, its four-day programme takes over pubs and venues throughout the area – promising intimate gigs and a great atmosphere. The likes of Maurice Dickson and Elbow Jane have performed in the past, bringing together folk music lovers from all over the country.
7 – 8 November 2026: Damnation Festival, Manchester, north-west England
See your favourite acts at this extreme metal festival, which has moved from its Leeds venue to Manchester – and taken its loyal fans with it, for sell-out events. Check out the website for the next festival’s line-up.
7 November 2026 – 10 January 2027: Longleat Festival of Light, Wiltshire, south-west England
This outdoor light festival boasts hundreds of illuminated characters and scenes that transform the estate into a winter wonderland, with each year boasting a new theme. This year is all about myths, legends and folklore – think the Lost City of Atlantis, dragons, giants and more.
9 – 15 November 2026: Thought Bubble, Yorkshire, northern England
Join in with the celebration at the UK’s biggest comic art festival, Thought Bubble, in Yorkshire. Start the celebration at the launch party in Leeds and check out the festival’s many events across Yorkshire through the week. Then head to Harrogate for the weekend convention and take part in the parade and party, hear your comic icons speak and sign your kids up for some comic-creating workshops in this entertaining festival.
12 – 15 November 2026: Atlantic Sessions, Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Taking over the pubs, hotels and venues of Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae on the Causeway Coast, this November music festival presents a wonderfully diverse range of gigs: from folk groups and rock bands, to soul singers and classical quartets. Most of the concerts are free, and the Music Trail features over 30 different performances. Expect great music, a friendly atmosphere, and some fantastic local food and drink too.
13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027: Christmas at Kew, London, England
Get into the spirit of Christmas against the picturesque background of Kew Gardens in London, which delivers a sparkling after-dark experience and a truly festive atmosphere every year. Previous highlights include a Fire Garden, towering fairy-lit trees and the spellbinding Palm House light display.
London Jazz Festival hosts world-class artists and emerging stars, packed into back-to-back concerts, workshops, talks, masterclasses and free events across London. A number of key events will take place at the Southbank Centre.
19 – 22 November 2026: Kendal Mountain Festival, Cumbria, north-west England
The world’s biggest mountain festival is a celebration of film, outdoor sports, literature, art and legends that hopes to inspire people to explore and enjoy mountains and the wilderness. The Mountain Film Competition is a main feature of the event, with entries competing to be the grand prize winner.
A true family favourite, Winter Wonderland returns to London’s Hyde Park with big top shows, the observation wheel and a huge Christmas market. As well as the ice rink, Winter Wonderland includes gentle rides for younger children.
