Bookworms across the country will be converging on Manchester from today and joining more than 200 authors as the city hosts its ninth Literature Festival.
Authors Martin Amis, Will Self and poet Simon Armitage are amongst those who will be appearing at this year’s festival, discussing their passion for the arts and literature, as well as reading from their newly-published works.
Pop Art icon Peter Blake will also be there, paying homage to Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood with portraits, watercolours and collages of scenes inspired by the Welshman’s 1954 radio drama.
Also appearing will be up and comers in the literature world, including authors, poets and graphic novelists.
This year will see the return of the popular literary walking tours – including visits to see rare collections of literature and first editions, as well as the Boho Literary Pub Walking Tour – combining most festival-goers’ twin passions.
“Our mission is to present an annual celebration of literature across the city, using Manchester’s iconic cultural landmarks and atmospheric venues for a series of live literature events designed to fuel the imagination by marrying words with place,” explains festival director Cathy Bolton.
“As regular festival-goers will know, it’s a packed two weeks offering live performances, ‘in conversations’ and special collaborations.”
Last year saw great success with authors such as Bridget Jones creator Helen Fielding, gothic author Neil Gaiman and The Commitments author Roddy Doyle.
Manchester Literature Festival relies on investments from Arts Council England, Manchester City Council and principal sponsor HSBC Bank, but Ms Bolton explains: “We are a not-for-profit organisation and need to generate new sources of income to secure our future and to help us to grow whilst keeping ticket prices affordable.”
The 35 different venues are spread all over the city centre, and include Manchester Cathedral, the Royal Exchange Theatre and The John Rylands Library and the festival will run from October 6-19.
Image courtesy of McrLitFest, via YouTube, with thanks
