Literature
The area is steeped in literary and political history, immortalised in prose, poem and song: from Fredrich Engels’ sombre description of working class life, John Cooper Clarke’s ‘Queen of the Ritz’ in Salome Malone and Morrissey’s peak through the roof of the Holy Name Church in Vicar in a Tutu.
The former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and poet and playwright Lemn Sissay hold leading roles at our universities, and the central library has over 2 million visits per year, making it the most visited public library in the country.
The International Anthony Burgess Foundation celebrates all aspects of the life and work of Anthony Burgess, famous author of the Clockwork Orange and many other works.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, within close proximity to the Pankhurst Centre, is the former home of the famous author and her family. Mrs Gaskell’s novels often portrayed Victorian society, including the poor such as Mary Barton, which detailed the dismal state of the poverty-stricken workers in the industrial centres of the North.
Providing exciting and original opportunities to experience outstanding live literature in an annual festival format, Manchester Literature Festival showcases the best in contemporary writing from across the world and is built on the legacy of its successful predecessor, Manchester Poetry Festival.
Louder Than Words Festival
INNSIDE by Meliá Hotel 13 – 15 November 2026Louder Than Words Festival returns to Manchester 13–15 Nov 2026, featuring Mike Pickering in conversation on music history.
Victorian Christmas
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House 15 November – 20 December 2026Experience a Victorian Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House with festive displays, family activities and seasonal treats.
Carol Ann Duffy and Friends: Imtiaz Dharker and Guests
Manchester Poetry Library 26 November 2026Join Carol Ann Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker and special guests for an evening of poetry, music and conversation celebrating Manchester Writing School alumni.
Reading Place Writing by David Cooper
Manchester Poetry Library 3 December 2026Join David Cooper and Jean Sprackland for a discussion of Reading Place Writing, exploring how creative non-fiction writers examine the places around us.
Edges of Languaging
Manchester Poetry Library 10 December 2026Explore language, poetry, art and social justice at Edges of Languaging, a seminar series curated by Dr Khawla Badwan at Manchester Poetry Library.
Anjuman: A New Mushaira
Manchester Poetry Library 4 March 2027Discover Anjuman, an inclusive poetry gathering celebrating South Asian languages, shared experiences and diverse voices through readings and performance.
Manchester Translation Series 2027
Manchester Poetry Library 9 – 11 March 2027Celebrate translated poetry at the fifth Manchester Translation Series, with international poets, translators and publishers exploring language and literature.
Manchester Writing School Alumni Showcase
Manchester Poetry Library 18 March 2027Join Manchester Writing School for an evening of memoir and poetry presented by Kim Moore, featuring alumni Sue Kennett and Carson Wolfe alongside current students.
Inner and Outer Worlds
Manchester Poetry Library 15 April 2027Explore the relationship between photography and poetry through a conference, workshops, exhibition and an evening with Malika Booker.
The Prince of Whitechapel by Rachel Lichtenstein
Manchester Poetry Library 6 May 2027Join Professor Rachel Lichtenstein for an illustrated talk and reading exploring the near destruction of Yiddish, its remarkable survival and the quest to save it.
