Chorlton Book Festival 2018 at Chorlton Library

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

Visit now

Chorlton Book Festival

Chorlton Library, Chorlton
16-24 November 2018

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

Poet Henry Normal.
Book now

Back for an incredible 14th year, the annual Chorlton Book Festival runs 16 to 24 November, with more events than ever focused around the hub of the Carnegie library, most of them free.

This year’s programme boasts an eclectic line-up of readings, talks and activities, including two Family Fun Days (17 and 24 November) featuring poet and performer Dominic Berry, a code-cracking workshop and a music-making session from Contact Theatre, a history walk and a Literary Pub Quiz, at the Beech Inn.

Bestselling author Phaedra Patrick will be introducing her latest novel Wishes Under the Willow Tree (22 November) and Viz creator Simon Donald will be chatting about setting up the infamous magazine (17 November, the Edge Theatre), while novelist Ruth Estevez will be discussing the secrets of publishing and getting published with Elaine Bousfield, founder of Chorlton-based indie publisher ZunTold and publisher of Ruth’s latest YA novel Jiddy Vardy, which came out in the summer (20 November).

Performances include poetry from Manchester Poets special guest Julia Deakin (16 November), Emma Decent presenting her library-themed one-woman show I Don’t Know What I’m Supposed to be Doing (19 November), and an evening with poet Henry Normal – co-writer of The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, The Paul and Pauline Calf Video Diaries and more – when he will be launching his new collection The Department of Lost Wishes (21 November).

Where to go near Chorlton Book Festival 2018 at Chorlton Library

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Chorlton
Shop
Chorlton Bookshop

A family-run bookshop in Manchester’s bohemian suburb, Chorlton Bookshop is a haven of great titles and unknown gems.

Horse and Jockey Chorlton
Chorlton
Restaurant
Horse and Jockey Chorlton

The Horse and Jockey is a popular gastro pub located on Chorlton Green, at the end of Beech Road, a beautiful building and a Chorlton landmark.

Chorlton
Bar or Pub
The Beagle

Helmed by the people behind Common and Port Street Beer House, The Beagle is one of the most popular bars in Chorlton.

Beech Road, Chorlton
Bar or Pub
97 Chorlton

97 is a smart new cocktail bar from the team behind Tariff & Dale and The Lead Station, based on Beech Road in Chorlton.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Tea Hive

Tea Hive is simply the best breakfast in Chorlton. Sure, there’s nice places along Beech Road and the many (many) bars dotted around the area make a pretty good fist of it, but Tea Hive reigns supreme.

What's on: Literature

Lisa Jewell
LiteratureLeeds
Lisa Jewell at the Old Woollen

“Twisty page-turners. Domestic dramas. Bone-chilling suspense.” That’s how #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell is described by her publisher Simon & Schuster on their home page for her.

From £18.00
Jenn Ashworth at Blackwell's Manchester
LiteratureManchester
Jenn Ashworth at Blackwells

Jenn Ashworth is back at Blackwells bookshop for the Manchester launch of her latest work, reading extracts and chatting to Helen Mort about how The Parallel Path came about.

From £4.00
LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.

Free entry
Poet Mike Garry. Photo Paul Wolfgang Webster
LiteratureManchester
Word Central at Central Library

Word Central is a long-standing live literature favourite at Central Library and features open mic performers and a special guest, brought to you by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.