Sarah-Clare Conlon

After a mighty fine 10 years, The Other Room is coming to an end. Join the three organisers and an impressive line-up of performers at this last-ever outing for the experimental and avant-garde poetry reading series.

The European Camarade is part of the European Poetry Festival, which sees nine events in two weeks (4-15 April) unite over 70 of Europe’s most innovative and dynamic literary and avant-garde poets in Dublin, London, Norwich and Manchester.

In-store signing with legendary novelist Irvine Welsh, Edinburgh-born author of the quintessential 90s classic Trainspotting.

The White Review’s editors Željka Maroševic and Francesca Wade introduce an evening of readings from recent contributors to the literary magazine, including Luke Brown, Kayo Chingonyi, Nicole Flattery and Sophie Mackintosh.

Regular live lit night Verbose is back with a theme of music, a plethora of open mic acts and headliners including Fat Roland and legendary Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam, launching his new memoir.

Award-winning live literature promoters Bad Language present specially commissioned writers Michael Conley, Ian Humphreys and Lenni Sanders telling tales with long timelines and wild visions from civilisations that have shaped the world today.

Acclaimed American author Jesmyn Ward lands on UK shores to talk about her novel Sing, Unburied, Sing, winner of the prestigious 2017 National Book Award for Fiction, in this special Manchester Literature Festival Spring Programme event.

Writers of poetry, prose fiction, flash fiction, drama, non-fiction, essays, journalism, biography – anything that is their own writing – are paired up and swap sets to read each other’s work. Free entry

The second Poets & Players event of the year will feature readings by Carcanet poet Anthony Rudolf and poet, playwright and performer Hannah Silva, with live music from RNCM harpists the Septentrion Duo.

Carol Ann Duffy will be reading from her own work and introducing a number of special guests, including her daughter Ella performing one-woman monologue Wife, and four Laureate’s Choice pamphleteers – up-and-coming voices in the poetry world.

Special one-off Peter Barow’s Cigarette open mic event to raise funds.

Leeds-based literature night with poetry, text, speaking and the written weird, featuring live performances by contributors to Zarf magazine and special guests.