Manchester Literature Festival Set to Showcase Bestselling Authors and Emerging Talent
The highly anticipated Manchester Literature Festival is back this autumn, promising a stellar lineup of acclaimed authors and rising literary stars. From October 4 to October 20, book lovers and literature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to engage with some of the most prominent voices in contemporary fiction.
Among the headliners for this year’s festival are bestselling authors Matt Haig, Elif Shafak, and Rebecca F Kuang, all of whom currently have titles on The Sunday Times bestseller list. Joining them are André Aciman, author of the beloved novel “Call Me By Your Name,” and Paula Hawkins, the mastermind behind the gripping thriller “The Girl on the Train.”
In addition to these established authors, the festival will also feature newer voices such as Yuan Yuang, offering a diverse range of perspectives and genres for attendees to explore. The festival will take place at various venues across the city, including Central Library, Martin Harris Centre, John Rylands Library, Manchester Poetry Library, HOME, and Contact.
A Rich Literary Legacy
Manchester Literature Festival, which first began in 2006, was built on the success of its predecessor, Manchester Poetry Festival. Over the years, the festival has grown in stature, attracting renowned writers and poets from around the world to share their work and engage with audiences in Manchester.
This year’s lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, including Neneh Cherry, David Peace, Rumaan Alam, Alan Hollinghurst, Andrew O’Hagan, Jackie Kay, Carol Ann Duffy, George Monbiot, Caroline Lucas, Harriet Walter, and Thomas Heatherwick. The diverse range of voices and perspectives represented at the festival reflects the vibrant literary landscape of the city.
Jen Cleary, Director North West of Arts Council England, praised the festival for its ability to inspire and engage audiences. She noted, “Manchester Literature Festival is a cornerstone in the autumn’s cultural programme and its line up never fails to inspire. This year is no exception with an extraordinary range of writers, poets, journalists, artists and politicians tackling important themes and sharing their work in venues across the city.”
An Exciting Program for All Ages
The festival will kick off with an evening featuring the award-winning singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry, who will discuss her personal memoir “A Thousand Threads” with Bernardine Evaristo, author of the Booker Prize-winning novel “Girl, Woman, Other.” Scottish author Andrew O’Hagan will also take the stage to discuss his new novel “Caledonian Road,” which delves into issues of wealth, capitalism, and the climate crisis.
One of the most anticipated events of the festival is a discussion with bestselling author Rebecca F Kuang, whose novel “Yellowface” has captivated readers worldwide. Kuang will share insights into her remarkable career, discussing her creative process, literary influences, and the challenges of navigating different genres.
In addition to the main festival events, there will be a series of free programs catering to children and families. Award-winning Ukrainian poet Oksana Maksymchuk will read from her debut collection “Still City,” which explores the Russian invasion of her homeland. Illustrator and zine maker Ed Syer will lead a Skateboard Drawing Club for children, where they can design comic book characters and paint them onto recycled skate decks.
Expand Your Literary Horizons
In addition to the main festival activities, Manchester Literature Festival will also host three ‘Bookend’ events featuring Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Greg Jenner, and Richard Powers. These events offer attendees the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of authors, thinkers, and creatives beyond the festival dates.
Tickets for most Manchester Literature Festival events can be booked through the main Box Office agent Quaytickets or by phone. For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the festival experience, an MLF Get Closer Membership is available, offering 48 hours priority booking for all events. Visit the festival website to view the full program and start planning your literary adventure.
With its lineup of bestselling authors, emerging talent, and diverse range of events, the Manchester Literature Festival promises to be a celebration of literature and creativity that will captivate audiences of all ages and interests. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this vibrant literary community this autumn.