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2026 in culture
New novels from Maggie O'Farrell, Julian Barnes, Brandon Taylor and Ali Smith are among the highlights of a rich year for readers
Thursday, 1 January 2026
From George Michael to Jan Morris, and Lena Dunham to Francis Fukuyama, the year ahead is full of bold ideas and big personalities
Our TV critic looks ahead at the year in television, from Lord of the Flies to the lates from the Baby Reindeer creator
A year of female greats awaits with a Frida Kahlo blockbuster and long-overdue retrospectives of Joan Eardley and Ana Mendieta. Plus, two once-in-a-lifetime shows at the National Gallery
The stage next year has a distinctly feminist feel, from a Victoria Wood musical to Tilda Swinton wearing the trousers
A supernatural oratorio, a Hokusai-inspired opera and a world premiere by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood are among the year’s highlights
Cover-ups, crowdfunders, and the best of the Rest Is... here’s what to keep an ear out for
Excitement surrounds new epics from Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, while purists are braced for Emerald Fennell’s racy take on Emily Brontë
A BalletBoyz retrospective, Gentleman Jack the ballet and an original Pina Bausch cast are among next year’s highlights
The next great Irish band is here. Plus, new records from Lana Del Rey and Gorillaz and shows by Lily Allen and Elvis Costello
