Henry Normal book launch at Central Library

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

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Henry Normal book launch

6 May 2017

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Henry Normal. Picture by Jim Holden.
Henry Normal. Picture by Jim Holden.
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Henry Normal has a new collection out with North West-based indie publisher Flapjack Press, and is having a special launch event to celebrate. Travelling Second Class Through Hope brings together 70 poems, personally selected by the author from his early works, plus a foreword by fellow poet and Chancellor of the University of Manchester Lemn Sissay MBE.

Perhaps now better known for his career in film and TV, co-writing award-winning shows and movies The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, The Parole Officer, Coogan’s Run and Paul Calf, and producing, among many others, Oscar-nominated Philomena, Gavin and Stacey, Moone Boy, Uncle and Alan Partridge, Henry Normal started out as a poet. He set up the Manchester Poetry Festival in the 90s, which expanded to become Manchester Literature Festival as we know it now. Last year, he set up the Nottingham Poetry Festival, now an annual event in his home city.

This event will include a reading by Henry Normal and a signing of the new book, plus performances by special guests Geneviève L Walsh, also published by Flapjack, and comedy poet Marvin Cheeseman. All for nothing!

Where to go near Henry Normal book launch at Central Library

St Peters Square Manchester
City Centre
St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square is a public space in Manchester – home to the city’s iconic library, town hall, Pankhurst statue, art gallery and famous Midland Hotel.

Manchester Art Gallery. Photo by Andrew Brooks
City Centre
Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery

The Charles Barry-designed, Grade I-listed Manchester Art Gallery is one of the city’s leading galleries and is back open for visitors once more.

Manchester
Restaurant
Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.

Chinatown
Hotel
The Alan

This high-end city-centre restaurant has an excellent afternoon tea option that more than matches up to the superb main menu.

Salut Wines
Chinatown
Bar or Pub
Salut Wines

Salut wines pride themselves in offering “wider horizons beyond the safe choices.” With 42 wines by the glass and a regularly changing selection of bottles in their Enomatic wine preservation machines (or  “wine jukebox,” as they’re colloquially known), this is one of be best bars in Manchester for exploring new vintages.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Manchester Art Gallery Cafe

Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

City Centre
Tourist Attraction
Manchester Town Hall

Re-opening in 2024, Manchester Town Hall is a monument to Victorian Manchester’s ambition, and one of the city’s most-loved landmarks.

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Albert Square

A public square in the heart of Manchester which plays hosts to festivals and major events. Home to the Albert Memorial and statues of Bishop James Fraser, John Bright, Oliver Heywood and William Ewart Gladstone.

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