Manchester Literature Festival 2025

Now in its 20th year, Manchester Literature Festival returns this autumn, running city-wide across a variety of venues in October, bringing new writers and more established names to the city, celebrating literature in all its forms. If you can’t wait until then, fear not – MLF’s co-directors Cathy Bolton and Sarah-Jane Roberts have been busy pulling together a special programme of spring events and are now moving on to the summer chapter.

First up, well-respected US-based crime writer and scriptwriter Attica Locke will be here on a rare visit to the UK on Wednesday 16 July (7pm, Central Library, tickets £10/£8), to talk about Guide Me Home, the latest of her gripping, politically charged crime novels, which explores the tensions, xenophobia and inequality running through America. A tense, deeply resonant thriller, Guide Me Home sees Texas Ranger Darren Matthews confront the harsh realities of Trump’s America, with his job, relationship and possibly his life at risk.

Described as “one of America’s most electrifying crime writers” and “one of the most powerful voices in contemporary fiction”, Locke’s storytelling has seen her win multiple awards for her six novels, including Bluebird, Bluebird (winner of the CWA Steel Dagger), and she is an accomplished screenwriter and producer, with credits on When They See Us, Empire and the Emmy-nominated Little Fires Everywhere. The Guardian says: “‘Locke is building a compelling body of work. In this age of enduring and renewed racial tensions, we need her voice more than ever.”

Another rare UK appearance sees Rebecca F Kuang at Aviva Studios on Friday 22 August (7.30pm, tickets £20 / ticket & book (RRP £22) £36) – hurry for your tickets as it’s selling out fast! Bestselling author, literary phenomenon and one of the most compelling young voices in contemporary fiction, Rebecca F Kuang’s novel Yellowface was the publishing sensation of 2023 – a number one Sunday Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick, a BBC Radio 4 at Bedtime and Foyles Fiction Book of the Year.

This is your chance to hear her discuss her highly anticipated dark fantasy novel Katabasis and to buy copies before it goes on general sale. The “thrilling” new book plunges readers into the dark depths of the underworld, where two academic rivals embark on a rescue mission to save their advisor.