Chorlton Book Festival 2019 at Chorlton Library
Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
Eclectic, electric and – ooh! – erotic. That’s how this year’s Chorlton Book Festival is shaping up, the 15th annual event centring around the Chorlton Library hub. First, eclectic – a varied line-up of readings and signings, talks and walks from writers such as Pamela DeMenthe, Caroline England, Matt Goodfellow, Karline Smith, Jonathan Swinton and Paul Tudor Owen. An electric evening is promised on opening night 20 September at the Edge Theatre as LIVEwire presents spoken word from Nymphs & Thugs writers, hosted by the label’s owner Matt Abbott and featuring Luke Wright, Louise Fazakerley and Kirsty Taylor. Poetry during the festival comes courtesy The Manchester Poets, featuring Copland Smith and Tony Roberts, and the launch of a new poetry anthology by Flapjack Press. Stories Of Our Lives introduces an inter-generational writing project by author and artist duo Andrew Simpson and Peter Topping, who will talk about their route to publication. Back by popular demand is Chorlton’s firm favourite, the book quiz, and there’s also lots of free story times for kids and a family-friendly fun day to round things off.