A list of some of the literary big hitters in attendance
Manchester Literature Festival returns to the city this month (7 October to 22 October), bringing some of the biggest names from across fiction, poetry and the arts to the city to discuss their work.
Here's a few of the events on offer, where and when to watch them, and that all important ticket price.
We can’t wait to welcome all our inspirational guest writers, artists and thinkers to Manchester to share their words, passion and unique insights with audiences this autumn
Culture
What: Michael Lewis: Flash Boys and New Tycoons
Author of The Big Short and Moneyball discusses his latest book on money in the modern age, Going Infinite, about the highwire story of Sam Bankman-Fried.
When: Tuesday 10 October, 7pm
Where: Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
How much: £12/£10
What: George Monbiot in conversation with Sarah Bridle
Former Guardian columnist and prominent voice on all things climate change, George Monbiot discusses his new book Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet
When: Monday 16 October, 7.30pm
Where: HOME
How much: £17/£15
What: Afua Hirsch in conversation with Jackie Kay
Guardian writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch delves into her book Decolonising my Body: A Radical Exploration of Rituals and Beauty with poet and MLF patron, Jackie Kay.
When: Wednesday 18 October, 7pm
Where: Central Library
How much: £12/£10
What: Lisa Nandy
Rising star of the Labour party and shadow secretary of state for levelling up, Lisa Nandy, talks through her new book All In: How we Build a Country that Works.
When: Thursday 19 October, 7pm
Where: Central Library
How much: £12/10
What: Thurston Moore in Conversation
Sonic Youth founding member Thurston Moore is in conversation to launch his memoir, Sonic Life.
When: Friday 17 November, 7pm
Where: Central Library
How much: £14/£12
Fiction
What: Max Porter presents Shy
Author of the best-selling Grief is the Thing with Feathers performs an abridged dramatic reading of his new book, Shy, with a live electronic score by Roly Porter
When: Saturday 7 October, 7.30pm
Where: Contact Theatre
How much: £17/£15
What: An evening with Zadie Smith
The literary heavyweight has turned her hand to historical fiction in her new novel The Fraud, and discusses its themes of slavery and unheard stories with Erica Wagner.
When: Monday 9 October, 7.30pm
Where: Contact Theatre
How much: £17/£15
What: Karl Ove Knausgaard in conversation
Author of the barnstorming My Struggle series discusses his new novel, The Wolves of Eternity.
When: Tuesday 17 October
Where: Central Library
How much: £12/£30 inc. a copy of The Wolves of Eternity
What: Sandra Newman
The author talks about her new novel, Julia, telling the story of 1984 from the female perspective and discussing themes of dystopia with Naomi Frisby.
When: Wednesday 18 October, 7pm
Where: Waterstones Deansgate
How much: £10/£8
What: Jeanette Winterson
Literary icon and professor of new writing at the University of Manchester returns to MLF to read from her new book, Night Side of the River: Ghost Stories, and share her experiences with the occult.
When: Sunday 22 October, 7.30pm
Where: HOME
How much: £17/£15
Poetry
What: Terrance Hayes, Anthony Anaxagorou and Selina Nwulu
A trio of dynamic poets perform work from their latest collections, taking in themes including heritage and injustice.
When: Friday 13 October, 6.30pm
Where: Central Library
How much: £10/£8
What: New commission: Jason Allen-Paisant
The award-winning poet performs a trio of poems inspired by paintings and garments in the Manchester Art Gallery's collection.
When: Saturday 14 October, 2pm
Where: Manchester Art Gallery
How much: Free, advanced booking recommended
What: An evening with Linton Kwesi Johnson
The pioneering poet and activist delivers a short set from his Collected Poems before sitting down with Jackie Kay to discuss his contribution to black British culture and what has inspired him.
When: Saturday 14 October, 7.30pm
Where: Contact Theatre
How much: £17/£15
What: Simon Armitage
The poet laureate reads from his latest collection, Never Good with Horses, and talks about his love of music and musicians.
When: Sunday 15 October, 4pm
Where: Central Library
How much: £14/£12
What: PNR at 50
Celebrating half a century of the provocative poetry magazine PN Review, contributing editors will read some of their own poems alongside their favourites from over the years.
When: Thursday 19 October, 7pm (drinks reception from 6pm)
Where: John Rylands Library
How much: Free, advanced booking recommended
Click here to book tickets
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