LitOct Festival Brings Stories and Creativity to Hillingdon This October

West Drayton’s much-loved Southlands Arts Centre is once again opening its doors to the world of words this autumn, with the return of LitOct — Hillingdon’s very own literary festival. Running from Saturday 4th to Friday, 31st October 2025, the festival promises three weeks packed with talks, workshops, performances and community fun.

From crime writing to Shakespearean sonnets, from storytelling for children to creative workshops for budding authors, LitOct is all about celebrating imagination and bringing people together. This year’s line-up includes writers such as Vivien Brown, Sam Davey and Gatlin Perrin, alongside drama, poetry, and even a little mystery.

But it’s not just about books — LitOct also puts community at its heart. Visitors can look forward to the annual Apple Pie Supper, a special creative writing competition prizegiving, an art exhibition by local artist Rosemary Whittle, and a Halloween party to round off the month.

Festival organisers are keen to make the events accessible. A £35 festival pass gives access to nearly everything (excluding the literary lunch and Palooza) and even comes with a goody bag, while individual tickets are kept affordable, starting from just a few pounds.

Southlands Arts Centre has always been a hub for creativity in Hillingdon, and LitOct is a great example of how local venues can offer something special for residents of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, someone curious about writing, or just looking for a welcoming community event, this festival has something to enjoy.

LitOct runs from 4th–26th October at Southlands Arts Centre, 75 The Green, West Drayton, UB7 7PW. For the full programme and tickets, visit southlandsarts.co.uk/litoct.