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!

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Where to go near Henry Normal book launch at Central Library

St Peters Square Manchester
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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.

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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.

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Ban Di Bul

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The Alan

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

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