Literature Events in Manchester and the North

As we dive headlong into our reading and writing events for 2022, there’s plenty lined up – some online, some in person and some incorporating a bit of both.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, please note that mask-wearing and lateral flow tests may be required at events in real life, and be sure to check the social media accounts of organisers and venues before travelling in case of cancellations.

Speak Easy has returned to Dulcimer in Chorlton (every first Thursday of the month) and Peter Barlow’s Cigarette has found a new home in Ditto Coffee on Albert Square. We’re hoping to see Beatification return to Fuel in Withington after its December cancellation and new “variety performance” showcase Talley-Ho should be picking up the reins again soon at The Talleyrand in Levenshulme; Word Central has 25 January chalked up for Ben Willems’s rescheduled appearance, then 22 February. Verbose is back at the King’s Arms on 31 January, featuring headliners David Gaffney and Scraps author Carla Mellor alongside the open mic talent; David Gaffney then officially launches his brand-new novel on 17 February at Central Library, with Melissa Wan also reading.

Beth Underdown launches her new historical gothic novel The Key In The Lock – already receiving rave reviews – at Blackwell’s bookshop on 13 January, when she’ll be reading from the book and chatting about it with fellow writer Kate Feld. Just up the road, the first event of the year for Manchester Poetry Library is on 27 January and the launch of Why I Write Poetry: Essays on Becoming a Poet, Keeping Going and Advice for the Writing Life, featuring editor Ian Humphreys and contributors Jane Commane of Nine Arches Press, poet and disability rights activist Daniel Sluman, Rachel Mann, an Anglican Priest, poet, writer and broadcaster, and Manchester Writing School’s Jean Sprackland. Please note: this event is online.

Online, and Elizabeth Gaskell’s House are running a series of talks as part of their North And South season for 2022, celebrating the classic novel set (albeit anonymously) in Manchester, the Portico Prize sees readings of the shortlisted tomes taking place on Zoom on 19 January followed by a virtual prize-giving ceremony the next evening, and Carcanet kick off the year with the small-screen launch of Padraig Regan‘s much anticipated debut collection, Some Integrity. Meanwhile, Book Jive Live, the quarterly virtual spoken word event dedicated to children’s and YA literature welcomes BAFTA-winning Ciaran Murtagh as its first guest in 2022.

The return of poetry shows brings Dommy B to Waterside in Sale (for the little’uns) and Rose Condo to the Old Courts in Wigan, while the official UNESCO day of recognition for International Mother Language Day is 21 February, with happenings around the Greater Manchester region chalked up for 19, 20 and 21 February, including the launch of a brand-new City Poet programme.

Over in Liverpool, Give Poetry A Chance makes its twentieth appearance on 26 January and A Lovely Word on 3 February, with Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, and 3 March, with Gerry Potter. The Reader’s Spoken Word evenings are back at the Mansion House, with singer-songwriter Nick Ellis taking to the stage alongside the readers on 20 January, and on 17 February it’s Chris Jones and more. Online, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage joins the Shared Reading group on 27 January, while outdoors sees the weekly Poetry Walks continue, with an interactive Literature Trail in Calderstones Park to put a spring in your step; find out more here.

Over Leeds way, keep an eye out for Tales of Whatever (formerly of this manor), who have dates chalked up for 28 January.

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to put pen to paper more yourself, then Comma are running a short-story course with Manchester author Karline Smith guiding you through her top tips, while Creative Industries Trafford rekindle the CIT Writers’ Group in the new year, with poet Jazmine Linklater offering assistance, however you fancy getting your words on the page. There are also courses with Write Like a Grrrl and Young Identity, and Poetry For Beginners sessions in Leeds.

Shopping wise, our Bookshops in Manchester Guide is freshly updated and dates for the monthly Elizabeth Gaskell’s House book sale have been announced for the next year, so get your place booked as soon as possible. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out Chetham’s Library, the Portico Library and the Pankhurst Centre. Scroll down for more events and activities, or see our literary guides to Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Cumbria if you’re venturing further afield.

Here are our picks