One of the oldest literature festivals in the country, Lancaster Literature Festival, or Litfest to its friends, has been bringing an exciting and varied programme to audiences since 1978.
From £3.00
A celebration of poetry with invited guests and ‘lucky dip’ open mic. In September, Ian Duhig, in October, Helen Mort.
From £10.00
Join Leeds-based writer Ian Harker as he launches his pamphlet, Gain Access, co-winner of the 2025 Poetry Business International Book & Pamphlet Competition, judged by Kim Moore.
From £1.00
Now in its 20th year, Manchester Literature Festival is presenting a special programme of summer events.
From £8.00
For the seventh Matt Simpson Memorial Reading, hosted by Liverpool Poetry Space (LiPS), Deryn Rees-Jones will be reading from her new collection, Hôtel Amour.
Free entry
I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell is an immersive exhibition taking over the Grade II*-listed Elizabeth Gaskell’s House all summer and into autumn as part of the ten-year celebrations.
From £8.50
David Olusoga explores how three particular weapons shaped the world in A Gun Through Time at the Lowry.
Throughout 2025, the team at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is taking a deep dive into Ruth, one of the famous 19th-century author’s most shocking texts.
From £6.00
Our favourite “afternoon of alternative poetries” Peter Barlow’s Cigarette marks its 50th event with a bumper four-strong line-up on 22 November.
Free entry