Hosted by the City of Wolverhampton Council, Wolverhampton Literature
Festival returns from 2 to 4 February 2024 for its eighth year.
The festival is back with a brand-new look to celebrate arts and culture
through the magic of the spoken and written word.
The line-up is dynamic, exciting and explores a range of topics. Welcoming
back Wolverhampton’s own author and journalist, Sathnam Sanghera, who
will be discussing his new book Empireworld on his publication weekend.
Taking a break from Dancing on Ice, comedian and writer, Lou Sanders, joins
us to discuss her moving, hilarious and honest memoir, What’s that Lady
Doing?
Journalist, investigative reporter and presenter, who is best known for hosting
the Netflix series Inside The World’s Toughest Prisons, Raphael Rowe, will be
at Wolverhampton Art Gallery sharing his powerful and unique life story,
having been sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit and
exonerated 12 years later by the court of appeal.
Presenter and journalist, Louis Minchin, best known for hosting BBC
Breakfast, embarks on an incredible journey to shine a spotlight on female
stories of courage and endeavour, breaking down barriers, smashing records
and challenging stereotypes. LBC’s James O'Brien will also be sharing his
new book How They Broke Britain, ‘exploring the shady network of influence
that has created a broken Britain’.
Ania Bas, Ella King and Alice McIlroy will be spilling the beans on their tips
and secrets on their journey to getting their debut novels published, an event
made possible with sponsor support by the Mander Centre. Additionally, Emily
Johnson, founder of Arthritis Foodie discusses her new cookbook and recipes
that help her manage her arthritis.
The festival will also provide a space for local speakers, writers and artists to
share their work with audiences through the return of Poets, Prattlers, and
Pandemonialists, who will be delivering a range of events including Poetry
Slam and Stars of the Slam, in which spectators will see outstanding
wordplay. Punjabi Women Writers are back and will be delivering poems from
their new anthology, focused on the topics of recycling and climate change,
developed through a series of workshops with community groups across the
black country.

Wolverhampton Libraries service will host a variety of children’s events,
welcoming author and illustrator, Steve Smallman, for a storytelling, drawing
and fun session. Sohan Kailey is back with a live, interactive and musical
storytelling adventure - and join Grandpa Sticks in a storytelling session filled
with rhythm actions and vocal sounds that will get you excited. There will also
be a special screening of the National Theatre Production of Othello.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Visitor City, Councillor
Bhupinder Gakhal, said: “The Wolverhampton Literature Festival is a great
opportunity to spark the imagination of all ages.
“There are a range of activities and events to get involved with, whether you
like to sit back and listen, take part in a workshop, or just try something new.
“I urge everyone to come along and see what the festival has to offer as it has
grown year on year in the city and I look forward to welcoming the artists.”
There is also an opportunity for residents to get involved. In the run up to the
festival organisers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver the
exciting programme of literary events happening in city venues.
Volunteers will be provided with professional development opportunities, tips
and advice on job applications and signposting to relevant opportunities to
build on experience developed at the festival. Some examples of roles will
include event stewards, information stewards, runners and technical support.
If interested or for more information email art.gallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Tickets for the 2024 Wolverhampton Literature Festival are now on sale. For
more information visit www.wolveslitfest.co.uk.