The 17 day Manchester Literature Festival starts this Friday, across different venues in in the city.
MLF, which began in 2005, celebrates all genres and styles of literature and this year headline events include talks with many award winning writers, poets, comedians and cultural figures.
There are 40 to 45 events this year, here are some of the highlights:
At The Royal Northern College of Music you can find crime writer Ian Rankin, British actor and writer Sheila Hancock. As well as the first black editor-in-chief at British Vogue: Edward Enninful and award- winning author Bernardine Evaristo.
HOME will be hosting talks by BAFTA winning screenwriter, actor and novelist Ruth Jones and comedian Arnald O’Hanlon to discuss their latest books.
Writer and historian David Olusoga will be talking at the Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama.
The International Anthony Burgess Foundation will host a series of guests including Mexican writer Juan Pablo Villalobos and Brazilian writer Paulo Scott.
BBC Radio 4 presenter, comedian and writer Natalie Haynes will be at the central library discussing her latest retelling ‘Stone Blind’.
And live poetry performances from Jackie Kay, Malika Booker, Yomi Sode and many more poets can be seen at Contact Theatre.
The festival also includes opportunities for younger children. Author Sarah Roberts will share her latest picture book as well as an Alien,Zombies and Monsters hunt.
Co-Directors Cathy Bolton and Sarah-Jane Roberts said: “Exploring our history. Looking at what divides us and brings us together. Celebrating our pioneers and change-makers. These are also themes at the heart of this year’s Festival and events…We hope you’ll join us to listen to their stories and discover some new favourite writers.”
You can see the full programme and book tickets here.
