The festival is back with a brand new look to celebrate arts and culture through the magic of the spoken and written word.
The line up is dynamic, exciting and explores a range of topics. Welcoming back Wolverhampton’s own author and journalist, Sathnam Sanghera, who will be discussing his new book Empireworld on his publication weekend.
Taking a break from Dancing on Ice, comedian and writer, Lou Sanders, joins us to discuss her moving, hilarious and honest memoir, What’s that Lady Doing?
Journalist, investigative reporter and presenter, who is best known for hosting the Netflix series Inside The World’s Toughest Prisons, Raphael Rowe, will be at Wolverhampton Art Gallery sharing his powerful and unique life story, having been sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit and exonerated 12 years later by the court of appeal.
Presenter and journalist, Louis Minchin, best known for hosting BBC Breakfast, embarks on an incredible journey to shine a spotlight on female stories of courage and endeavour, breaking down barriers, smashing records and challenging stereotypes. LBC’s James O'Brien will also be sharing his new book How They Broke Britain, ‘exploring the shady network of influence that has created a broken Britain’.
Ania Bas, Ella King and Alice McIlroy will be spilling the beans on their tips and secrets on their journey to getting their debut novels published, an event made possible with sponsor support by the Mander Centre. Additionally, Emily Johnson, founder of Arthritis Foodie discusses her new cookbook and recipes that help her manage her arthritis.
The festival will also provide a space for local speakers, writers and artists to share their work with audiences through the return of Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists, who will be delivering a range of events including Poetry Slam and Stars of the Slam, in which spectators will see outstanding wordplay. Punjabi Women Writers are back and will be delivering poems from their new anthology, focused on the topics of recycling and climate change, developed through a series of workshops with community groups across the black country.
Wolverhampton Libraries service will host a variety of children’s events, welcoming author and illustrator, Steve Smallman, for a storytelling, drawing and fun session. Sohan Kailey is back with a live, interactive and musical storytelling adventure - and join Grandpa Sticks in a storytelling session filled with rhythm actions and vocal sounds that will get you excited. There will also be a special screening of the National Theatre Production of Othello.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Visitor City, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, said: “The Wolverhampton Literature Festival is a great opportunity to spark the imagination of all ages.
“There are a range of activities and events to get involved with, whether you like to sit back and listen, take part in a workshop, or just try something new.
“I urge everyone to come along and see what the festival has to offer as it has grown year on year in the city and I look forward to welcoming the artists.”
There is also an opportunity for residents to get involved. In the run up to the festival organisers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver the exciting programme of literary events happening in city venues.
Volunteers will be provided with professional development opportunities, tips and advice on job applications and signposting to relevant opportunities to build on experience developed at the festival. Some examples of roles will include event stewards, information stewards, runners and technical support. If interested or for more information email art.gallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Tickets for the 2024 Wolverhampton Literature Festival are now on sale. For more information visit Wolverhampton Literature Festival.
