An Evening with Alan Johnson at the Milton Rooms

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

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An Evening with Alan Johnson

21 September 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Alan Johnson.
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After a political career which took him to the very heart of power as a minister, including Home Secretary, in the Blair and Brown governments, Alan Johnson has turned his hand to biography, garnering a raft of awards for his three books so far.

Following on from This Boy, Please, Mister Postman and The Long And Winding Road, his latest memoir, In My Life – A Music Memoir (Bantam Press/Penguin), adds another dimension to his story – the part music played in it all. From Bob Dylan to David Bowie, and from Lonnie Donnegan to Bruce Springsteen, music has played an integral part in Alan’s life – especially, of course, his beloved Beatles, who lend the titles to his books and who he has worshipped with undying admiration since 1963.

During this evening of music and conversation, as part of the Ryedale Book Festival, Alan will be sharing the tracks that helped shape his life and chatting with David Banks, then signing copies of the book. Which track would the former politician take to his Desert Island, if he had to choose just one?

Where to go near An Evening with Alan Johnson at the Milton Rooms

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Maki & Ramen

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Restaurant Örme

A hidden gem in the suburbs of Greater Manchester, serving high-level British small plates to a soundtrack of indie rock and roll.

The Abbey
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The Abbey

Historic Hulme pub with a very good live gig space, brought to you by the very capable team behind YES, Gorilla, Now Wave and Manchester Psych Fest.

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Pigeon Beer Wanderer

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Image courtesy of Unitom.
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UNITOM Projects

The exhibition arm of Manchester indie bookshop UNITOM is a dedicated space for contemporary visual culture in the St John’s neighbourhood.

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Portfolio

Portfolio is a Champagne boutique on Manchester’s Bridge Street, offering a set menu of fine-dining small bites.

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Bridge 5 Mill

Bridge 5 Mill is a sustainable event space and community hub on Beswick Street in Ancoats, hosting independent cultural projects and ethical supper clubs.

1853 gallery 1
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1853 Studios

1853 Studios and Gallery is a Creative Studios and community of creative professionals occupying the 3rd floors of Osborne Mill, Oldham.

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Podium

Podium delivers high-end, seasonal dishes, largely geared around produce and ideas from the British Isles, but with a few deft twists and turns.

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Tai Wu

Long-standing, trend-swerving Chinese restaurant on Manchester’s Upper Brook Street, with a reputation for authentic dim sum and traditional Cantonese cuisine.

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