Manchester Literature Festival is returning this autumn for its 16th year and it’s going to be lit.

Running from 9-17 October with live events across the city, the festival will host a selection of award-winning writers and musicians including the likes of Bobby Gillespie, Tracey Thorn, Andrew O’Hagan, Paul Morley and Bernardine Evaristo for in-depth discussions and events.

No wonder Manchester Literature Festival is considered the cream of the UK’s literary calendar

The festival, which aims to showcase the very best in contemporary writing from across the world as well as commissioning innovative writing from new and established writers and promoting Manchester as a city of cultural exchange will explore themes including writing (of course), the creative process, identity and friendship.

From Manchester with love

Music will also be a prominent theme with Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie discussing his autobiography Tenement Kid shortly after the book is published, while best-selling music journalist Paul Morley will present his long-awaited biography of Factory Records co-founder Tony Wilson From Manchester With Love. Two of the most anticipated music releases of the year no less.

Elsewhere on the music front, an evening with Andrew O’Hagan and Tracey Thorn will see both authors discussing their latest books with award-winning author and chancellor of the University of Salford, Jackie Kay.

Set in Manchester in the 80s and influenced heavily by the city’s music, Andrew O’Hagan’s Mayflies is an ode to friendship and youth whilst Tracey Thorn’s My Rock ‘n’ Roll Friend recounts her friendship with drummer Lindy Morrison of Brisbane cult band The Go-Betweens and the associated perceptions and interpretations of women in music.

Cult Manchester band The Fall will also get a live chronicling as Bob Stanley and Tessa Norton discuss their book Excavate! The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall in an event hosted by Adelle Stripe. The duo’s latest book is a definitive exploration of the influential world of Mark E. Smith and The Fall, featuring never-before-released material and essays from fans and collectors.

A Dashing Picture Of Primal Scream Frontman Bobby Gillespie Who Will Be Discussing His New Book Tenement Kid At The Manchester Literature Festival — **Bobby Gillespie talking about his book Tenement Kid will be a good chance to come together** Sam Christmas

The return of a landmark Booker prize winner

Booker Prize winner and best-selling author Bernardine Evaristo will also return for the 2021 edition of the Manchester Literary Festival. In 2019 Evaristo made history by becoming the first black woman to win the Booker prize; she will be discussing her book Manifesto, an intimate and inspirational account of how she achieved her success fighting against structural hurdles and discrimination along the way.

Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

“Welcoming the Manchester Literature Festival back to the city following a virtual event last year should be celebration enough on its own. But to welcome it back with the wealth of incredible events and writers on offer is something else. From Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo to the legendary Bobby Gillespie, this year’s event offers one of the most exciting line-ups yet. No wonder Manchester Literature Festival is considered the cream of the UK’s literary calendar.”

Professor John McAuliffe, reader in creative writing and modern literature at The University of Manchester, added:

"The 2021 line-up of the Manchester Literature Festival looks, as ever, like an education in itself. The Festival's stories, poems and interviews promise to start and sustain conversations for all of us who will be attending events, online and in-person, this October."

Tracey Thorn Formerly Of The Band Everything But The Girl And Best Selling Author Who Is One Of The Headliners Of Manchester Literature Festival — **Tracey Thorne will be discussing her book My Rock 'n' Roll Friend**

Previous Manchester Literature Festival line-ups have been a who’s who of the literary world with speakers including Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis, Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, Deborah Levy, Vivienne Westwood, Colson Whitehead and Zadie Smith to name a few.

Further line-up additions will be announced in September whilst an online edition will take place in November.

Manchester Literature Festival will take place from 9-17 October at venues across Manchester. General sale tickets are on sale now with priority booking available for specific events as well as book and ticket bundles. For ticketing and event information click here.