LitOct Literary Festival
October 2026
Coming Up
Upcoming Events
LitOct Hillingdon
Oct 1 – Oct 31st
Get ready to celebrate stories, creativity, and community! Southlands Arts Centre presents LitOct 2026, Hillingdon’s much-anticipated literary festival, running over multiple days through October. This immersive event welcomes attendees of every age, offering age-appropriate activities and programs for children, teens, and adults alike.
Who. What. Where
About LitOct
LitOct is West London's home-grown literary festival. Each October, Southlands Arts Centre in Hillingdon comes alive with readings, talks, workshops and conversation — bringing writers, readers and neighbours together to celebrate the written and spoken word.
Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious, there's something here for you. LitOct is proudly local, warmly welcoming, and open to all.
What to expect
Author readings & talks Meet writers, hear new work and join the conversation.
Writing workshops Hands-on sessions to spark ideas and sharpen your craft, whatever your level.
The LitOct Creative Writing Competition Our annual competition invites new writing on a fresh theme each year — with prizes, judges and a published anthology.
Community events Family-friendly happenings and gatherings that bring the festival to the whole neighbourhood.
The Creative Writing Competition
Every year, LitOct runs a creative writing competition open to writers of all backgrounds. The 2026 competition theme is Architecture, with categories in fiction and life writing. Selected entries are published in the festival anthology.
Winners announced in October at LitOct
Where & when
Southlands Arts Centre
75, The Green
West Drayton
Middlesex
UB7 7PW
LitOct takes place every October. 2026 dates: 3rd - 31st
Nearnest station is West Drayton, on the Elizabeth line.
Stay in touch
Be the first to hear the 2026 line-up, competition news and event announcements.
[Sign up for updates coming soon] · Follow us: @Lit.oct · Facebook · #LitOct