October-November festivals: London Film Festival, literature events, music
Major festivals run across the UK in the coming weeks: The 70th BFI London Film Festival will present international cinema, television productions, documentaries from 7–18 October; Cheltenham Literature Festival brings together authors, poets and public conversation from 9–18 October; and New Scientist Live at ExCeL London features talks, live demonstrations and interactive exhibits exploring science, technology, health and the environment from 10–12 October.
October hosts several flagship cultural events across Britain. The 70th BFI London Film Festival will present international cinema, television productions, documentaries and immersive storytelling, with screenings, premieres, industry talks and special events held at venues across London. Cheltenham Literature Festival is a multi-venue literature festival bringing together authors, poets and public conversation through ticketed events, free activities and family-friendly programming from 9–18 October.
New Scientist Live at ExCeL London is a science festival featuring talks, live demonstrations, interactive exhibits and hands-on activities exploring science, technology, health and the environment from 10–12 October. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs 21–31 October with live oral storytelling from Scotland and around the world, including performances, music, workshops and family events in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
The London Literature Festival runs 21 October–1 November, with Dua Lipa as guest curator of the year's programme, hosting a takeover of the Royal Festival Hall on the festival's opening weekend and a series of events in conjunction with her Service95 Book Club.
How this affects you as a newcomer
These events offer excellent ways to meet other residents, practise English in a social setting and explore British cultural life. Many museums and literary venues offer discounted or free entry on certain days. Book tickets early for popular sessions; queues for blockbuster films and well-known authors can form quickly.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
