Launch of Michael Conley’s Flare and Falter at The Metropolitan

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
Writer Abi Hynes.

Michael Conley book launch at The Metropolitan, Manchester 6 September 2018 Entrance is free

As well as running the rather marvellous (if somewhat once-in-a-blue-moon) evening Reading The Other, when writers are paired up to swap their work and read the other’s, Michael Conley is also a busy scribe in his own right. In many cases blurring the boundaries between poetry and prose when he performs (he has been a regular guest at the Carol Ann Duffy and Friends evenings at the Royal Exchange, as well as at various of the spoken word and live lit nights around the place), Michael has so far published two pamphlets of poems – Aquarium with award-winning publishers Flarestack, and More Weight, published by Eyewear as part of their 2016 Aviator Series.

This evening sees the launch of his new prose collection Flare and Falter, which came out last month on Splice Publishing. This is his first book of prose after being shortlisted for the prestigious Manchester Fiction Prize 2017 with his short story The God Quetzalcoatl Has Retired And Now Runs A Pub In South Manchester, which is included in this tome. No stranger to having his work recognised, his stories have taken third place in the Bridport Prize and, in 2015, he was shortlisted for the Melita Hume Prize. His poem These Three Young Ladies Have Come All The Way From Australia was Highly Commended in the Forward Prize for Poetry, and his work has featured in various literary magazines, including Magma, Rialto, New Welsh Review and Cadaverine.

The new collection is described thus: “Welcome to the unforgettable worlds of Michael Conley: horrific, hilarious, and forever on the brink of collapse. Lives are turned upside-down by ducks, the alphabet attacks every country on the planet, and civil unrest breaks out when we realise that only half of us can see the kraken clinging to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Sly and silly, chaotic and carnivalesque, often poignant and always unpredictable, Conley’s stories shred the thin veil that protects our familiar reality from an apocalypse of the bizarre.” Signed copies will be available to buy at the event.

Also reading on the night is a selection of writers Michael has drafted in especially for the occasion from around Manchester’s live literature scene: Sarah-Clare Conlon (formerly of Verbose), Kate Feld, co-host of The Real Story, flash fiction leading lady Tania Hershman, Abi Hynes of First Draft fame, and Steve Smythe, who now runs Speakeasy at Streford Sip Club. Should be worth the tram fare!

Michael Conley book launch at The Metropolitan, Manchester 6 September 2018 Entrance is free

Where to go near Launch of Michael Conley’s Flare and Falter at The Metropolitan

Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, situated only 2 miles from junction 30 off the M62 or Junction 44 off the M1. Standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds, Oulton Hall combines all the elegance of a mid 18th century mansion with the modern facilities you would expect for business and leisure, including, Champagne Bar, Drawing Room serving traditional afternoon tea, 2 restaurants, not to mention the 7 individually designed suites and the conference and banqueting facilities for up to 350 guests.

An incredible, mid 18th century mansion with breathtaking gardens, that has been lovingly restored and extended to create a hotel with a traditional character and unique charm offering everything a guest needs to ease the stresses of everyday life. Golfers will relish the challenge of the championship Calverley course, or why not treat yourself to a relaxing health and beauty treatment in the Spa at the Oul
Leeds
Hotel
Oulton Hall and Spa

Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds.

Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character. All rooms and suites include premium amenities such as free high-speed, wireless Internet, a mini bar, a flat-screen television, air conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Accessible, interconnecting and family rooms are available as well.Welcome to a brand new concept right on your doorstep. Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar boasts a Yorkshire style infused menu with a twist. The Grill House and Cocktail Bar serves guests in the heart of Leeds city centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds. Come absorb the comforting surroundings, coupled with the enchanting smells and woodiness of flavours coming from the kitchen. Enjoy your meal with expertly blended drinks from the cocktail waiters that will take you through the night. Experience an unparalleled dining experience at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar. The
Leeds
Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds

Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character.

Hotel entrance
Leeds
Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Leeds City Centre

Conveniently situated in the centre of Leeds, Hampton By Hilton Leeds City Centre provides air-conditioned rooms, a gym, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre.

Jurys Inn Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Leonardo Hotel

At the Leonardo Hotel Leeds they aim to make your stay exceptional. It starts as soon as you step inside the hotel, from the welcoming bar atmosphere and comfortable Costa Coffee lounge, to the relaxed quality of their restaurant.

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
Hotel
Wood Hall Hotel

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall is set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.

Gallery
Leeds
Gallery
BLANK_

BLANK_is a Leeds-based gallery, run by the School of Creative Arts at University Centre Leeds. It encompasses a physical exhibition space and a publication that showcases new contemporary visual art…

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.
Manchester
Hotel
Chancellors Hotel

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.

Kōdo Entrance
City Centre
Restaurant
Kōdo

Kōdo, a secret bar like no other. It is all about discovery. The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

What's on: Literature

Poet Mike Garry. Photo Paul Wolfgang Webster
Until
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
LiteratureManchester
Crime Central at Central Library

There’s murder and mayhem in the library! Manchester Libraries’ monthly event Crime Central welcomes new guests every month at Central Library, hosted by Rob Parker.

from £2.00
Poet Zaffar Kunial.
LiteratureManchester
Poets & Players at Burgess Foundation

Poets & Players is a must-go for lovers of words and music, presenting poets established and emerging, with the latest readers Zaffar Kunial, Hannah Copley, Rachel Davies and Hilary Robinson.

free entry
Poet Evan Jones
LiteratureWest Yorkshire
Poetry at the Dusty Miller

Poetry at the Dusty Miller is a now regular night with invited readers, organised by Carcanet-published Carola Luther and Judith Willson in the Coiners’ Room in the Mytholmroyd pub.

free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.