Manchester Literature Festival announces star-studded line up for 2024

Get ready for another exhilarating celebration of the written word as the Manchester Literature Festival returns from October 4th to 20th, 2024!

This year’s festival is set to ignite imaginations and spark conversations across the city with an unmissable lineup of international literary stars, award-winning authors, and visionary voices.

From page-turning thrillers and thought-provoking memoirs to electrifying poetry and boundary-pushing ideas, the festival promises something for everyone.

Spread across Manchester’s iconic venues, this year’s event will transform the city into a buzzing hub of creativity, inspiration, and storytelling magic. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or simply curious, Manchester Literature Festival 2024 is your chance to immerse yourself in the transformative power of literature.

Highlights of Manchester Literature Festival 2024

Who will be featured at the Manchester Literature Festival 2024?

The festival kicks off with a powerful conversation as singer-songwriter and artist Neneh Cherry, known for hits like “Buffalo Stance” and “Raw Like Sushi,” delves into her deeply personal memoir, A Thousand Threads, with Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo. Sponsored by Weightmans, this promises to be an unforgettable opening.

Closing the festival, audience favourite Elif Shafak will explore the themes of her critically acclaimed new novel, There Are Rivers in the Sky, in a special event that is sure to leave a lasting impact on attendees.

Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party, will explore what defines Englishness—its beautiful countryside, rich literature, and enduring values of solidarity and fairness. Partnering with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester, Lucas will ask if it’s possible to tell a new, more nuanced story of who we are.

British-Chinese journalist Yuan Yang takes us on a journey through modern China in Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, narrating the lives of four ordinary women and revealing the social and political shifts shaping the country.

Renowned foreign correspondent Lindsey Hilsum will share poetry that has been her solace throughout her four decades of war reporting. Presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester, Hilsum’s session promises poignant reflections on her extraordinary career.

Thomas Heatherwick, one of the world’s leading designers, will discuss his bold vision for reimagining architecture by placing human emotion at the core of building design. This thought-provoking talk is also presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.

Rebecca F. Kuang brings her provocative satire Yellowface to the stage, offering a scathing look at the cut-throat world of publishing through the eyes of a failed writer. Sponsored by The Edwardian, Manchester, and presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester, this promises to be an unmissable discussion.

Bestselling cook and food columnist Meera Sodha will tantalise taste buds as she shares her passion for East and South Asian cuisine and offers a glimpse into her new book Dinner, which highlights the dishes she creates for her loved ones. Sponsored by Weightmans and presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.

Ekow Eshun, broadcaster, curator, and writer, will evoke the lives of five remarkable Black men—such as Malcolm X and Justin Fashanu—in The Strangers, a compelling narrative on Blackness and masculinity.

Returning to the festival, George Monbiot will expose the pervasiveness of neoliberalism and its impact on current crises through his powerful new book The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism.

Bestselling author Matt Haig, known for The Midnight Library, will discuss his latest novel The Life Impossible, a moving story set in Ibiza that explores the transformative power of hope. Radio broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake will host this inspiring session.

Legendary music producer Joe Boyd will take audiences on a journey through global music with his captivating new book And the Roots of Rhythm Remain: A Journey through Global Music.

Esteemed Shakespearean actor Dame Harriet Walter will offer fresh insights into the minds of Shakespeare’s women in her fascinating new book She Speaks!

David Peace, author of The Damned United, will explore Manchester United’s tragic past and triumphant rebirth in his gripping new book Munichs. Sponsored by Weightmans, this event is presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.

Booker Prize-winning author Alan Hollinghurst will join poet Andrew McMillan in conversation to discuss his latest work, Our Evenings, a poignant and darkly humorous portrait of modern England. Sponsored by The Midland, Manchester.

In her Manchester debut, Asako Yuzuki will present Butter, her best-selling novel that blends humor and feminism with the story of a gourmet cook and serial killer, inspired by a real-life case. This event is presented in partnership with The Japan Foundation.

Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train, will share insights into her thrilling new novel The Blue Hour, a dark and suspenseful read.

Two acclaimed British-Nigerian authors, Abi Daré and Nikki May, will delve into their captivating second novels, both exploring the power of women, friendship, love, and overcoming the past.

Novelist and screenwriter Juno Dawson will showcase Queen B, the latest in her fantasy series Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, which celebrates the strength and sacrifice of sisterhood. Hosted by Andrew McMillan, this promises to be a magical event.

Award-winning author Susanna Clarke will reflect on how writing and reading have shaped her life in a special discussion about her influences, from Ursula Le Guin to Kate Bush.

The festival will also mark the launch of The Book of Manchester, a collection edited by David Sue and poet Lemn Sissay, exploring the city’s transformation. This special event will feature writers like Tom Benn, Sophie Parkes-Nield, and Okechukwu Nzelu alongside other guests.

Finally, André Aciman will share his elegant memoir My Roman Year, chronicling his move from Alexandria to Rome as a teenager, as well as his atmospheric new novel The Gentleman from Peru.

Fans of folk horror are in for a treat as two masters of the genre, Daisy Johnson and Andrew Michael Hurley, reveal their chilling new books. Johnson’s The Hotel is set in a haunted hotel, while Hurley’s Barrowbeck explores a remote valley that resists human intrusion.

Poetry at Manchester Literature Festival 2024

Manchester Literature Festival has become a renowned platform for celebrating poetry, and this year’s lineup features some of the genre’s most inspiring voices:

Festival favorite Jackie Kay, former Scottish Makar, will celebrate her new collection, May Day, in a lively discussion hosted by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. Presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.

The Rylands Poetry Reading will be delivered by former National Poet of Wales, Gillian Clarke, who will share work from her new collection, The Silence, exploring the Welsh landscape and childhood.

A night of electrifying poetry will celebrate the Mapping the Future anthology, featuring readings by Malika Booker, Inua Ellams, Ian Humphreys, Adam Lowe, and Eileen Pun. Founded by Bernardine Evaristo, this event is presented in partnership with Speaking Volumes and Manchester Poetry Library, with BSL interpretation available.

Imtiaz Dharker and Romalyn Ante will share readings from their latest collections—Shadow Reader and AGIMAT—which weave stories between England and the Philippines. Presented in partnership with Manchester Poetry Library.

Ukrainian poet Oksana Maksymchuk will read from Still City, her powerful new collection about the invasion of Ukraine, in an event hosted by poet Charlotte Shevchenko Knight.

The festival also spotlights three of poetry’s most exhilarating contemporary voices: Raymond Antrobus (Signs, Music), Caleb Femi (The Wickedest), and Theresa Lola (Ceremony for the Nameless), each performing their latest works. This event will also be BSL interpreted.

Finally, Carol Ann Duffy will perform poems from her eco-conscious anthology Earth Prayers, alongside her own nature-themed poetry, accompanied by musician John Sampson.

Rounding out the lineup, Cabaret for Freedom will honour legendary poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron, featuring vocals from Yemi Bolatiwa, poetry from Sukina Noor, and new work by Young Identity, with a string quartet from the Untold Orchestra adding a musical backdrop.

Events for children and families

This year’s Manchester Literature Festival has an exciting program for children and families, featuring a range of activities that bring stories to life through crafts, drama, music, and interactive performances.

Children can unleash their creativity at the Skateboard Drawing Club with Ed Syder, where they’ll design their own comic book characters and paint them onto recycled skate decks.

International storyteller Jan Blake, accompanied by djembe player Yahael Onono and musicians from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, will captivate audiences with an interactive performance of Ananse and the Monkeys at Musical Storyland LIVE! in Rochdale Central Library and Oldham Library.

Poet Joseph Coelho brings humor and spookiness to the festival, performing his Spooky Poems Aloud, guiding children to create their own poetry and explore different ways to recite it. He will also introduce young readers to his picture book My Beautiful Voice, a poetic journey that teaches bravery through verse and riddles.

Families can also enjoy A Morning with Rob Biddulph, where the award-winning author and illustrator presents his new book I Follow the Fox. This fun-packed event includes one of Rob’s famous Draw-alongs, sure to spark creativity in children of all ages. Presented in partnership with Z-arts.

For history lovers, former Horrible Histories historian and top podcaster Greg Jenner offers a lively session of Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy. Filled with myth-busting, quick-fire quizzes, and fascinating truths about Roman gods, emperors, and life in a fort, this event is presented in partnership with Manchester Histories.

Bookends

Even after the main festival draws to a close, Manchester Literature Festival continues to captivate audiences with its “Bookend” events, extending the literary excitement into November. These special sessions offer an opportunity to engage with prominent authors in a more intimate setting.

On October 29th, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, the celebrated author and screenwriter known for Fleishman Is in Trouble, will share insights into her work and her latest literary endeavours.

On November 3rd, Greg Jenner, the historian behind Horrible Histories and the popular podcast You’re Dead to Me, will take the stage for a lively discussion filled with historical wit and engaging anecdotes.

Finally, on November 8th, Richard Powers, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Overstory, will delve into his latest work and explore the intricate connections between nature and storytelling.

These post-festival events offer a final flourish to the literary season, ensuring that the magic of Manchester Literature Festival continues well beyond October.

You can check out the full programme by clicking here