After a run of sold out gigs up and down the UK, Hollie is back with her paperback tour as she chats and reads from her latest paperback Lobster and other things I’m learning to love, plus a selection of firm favourites from Slug and Nobody Told Me.
Here, she will be joined by Michael Pedersen for the Liverpool launch of his brand new debut novel Muckle Flugga. Expect strong language and adult content, gift-wrapped in gorgeously crafted poetry.
Join the team for an insightful conversation as Sam Wetherell discusses his critically acclaimed work Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain, a profound exploration of the city’s role in shaping the narrative of modern Britain. Sam will be interviewed by Janaya Pickett in the magnificent Concert Room of St George’s Hall, Liverpool, as part of the Writing on the Wall Festival 2025.
Expect an engaging dialogue that delves deep into themes of history, identity, and the radical rethinking of Britain’s story, all set against the backdrop of one of the most storied cities in the UK. This event promises to be a thought-provoking evening for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Liverpool’s past and its far-reaching impact on the present.
This is an unmissable event for lovers of history, literature, and the evolution of British identity. Book your tickets now and join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire.
When politics feels like parody, what role does satire have left to play?
WoWFEST welcomes Armando Iannucci, a towering figure of British storytelling and satire, to seek answers to the question — can laughter still challenge authority, expose hypocrisy, and spark change — or has the joke already worn thin?
Armando Iannucci, creator of iconic TV and film, including The Thick of It, Veep, In the Loop, and The Death of Stalin, has spent decades turning political dysfunction into brutal, brilliant comedy. With a signature blend of intelligence and irreverence, Iannucci has held a mirror to power, exposing its absurdities with scalpel-sharp precision.
Alongside plenty of laughter, there will be a serious reckoning with the role of comedy within a collapsing political landscape. From the rise of populism to the spread of disinformation, from protest movements to public apathy, satire’s evolving role will come under scrutiny: as resistance, critique, catharsis, and maybe even survival.
This isn’t just for laughs, it’s a deep, timely, dive into the fault lines of truth, power, and the stories we tell to make sense of them.
This event is presented in partnership by Writing on the Wall and the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Writing on the Wall has championed women’s rights since its inception, offering a safe, unique, and empowering space for women to express themselves and grow through writing.
As a result, it has inspired hundreds of women and launched many into successful careers. To celebrate, they are delighted to host this event in partnership with The Women’s Organisation to bring together some of the incredible Women of WoW from over the years. Whether it be the amazing professional artists and writers they’ve worked with like special guests Salena Godden and Rose Thomas, or some of their thousands of project and festival participants, or their dedicated staff, they want to raise a glass to all that women have achieved through Writing on the Wall.
These women are truly unstoppable and they’re so excited to see what more they will accomplish over the next 25 years.
Writing on the Wall are delighted to welcome back historian John Rees to present his compelling work of narrative history, The Fiery Spirits: Popular Protest, Parliament and the English Revolution.
As WoW proudly celebrates 25 years of radical storytelling, John uncovers the hidden stories of influential MPs and their allies who envisioned a kingdom without a crown. The so-called ‘fiery spirits’ who brought a desperate nation to the brink in the Civil Wars include the future regicide Henry Marten, the firebrand William Strode, the formidable colonel Alexander Rigby and Sir Peter Wentworth, descendant of a long line of anti-monarchists.
More than a book of political intrigue, The Fiery Spirits is a testament to the power of the people. Its reflections on mass demonstration resonate deeply today as four independent candidates sit at Westminster as a direct result of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
John Rees is an influential historian, broadcaster, campaigner. His books include Timelines: A Political History of the Modern World, The Leveller Revolution and A People’s History of London, co-authored with his partner Lindsey German. He also produces documentaries and presents current affairs programmes for the Islam Channel. Currently, he is a Visiting Research Fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is a National Officer of the Stop the War Coalition, which opposes the British establishment’s disastrous addiction to war, and a founding member of the organisation Counterfire.
In December 2023, the world lost a singular voice. Refaat Alareer, poet, editor, teacher, and mentor, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, along with six members of his family. His final poem, If I Must Die, written just weeks before his death, echoed across borders and languages, giving voice to the grief and resistance of a people under siege.
Refaat Alareer was a Palestinian writer, poet, and professor of English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza. A passionate educator and mentor, he was a co-founder of We Are Not Numbers, a platform amplifying young Palestinian voices. His poetry and essays captured the struggles and resilience of life in Gaza, making him a vital literary figure. Through his teaching, writing, and activism, he shaped a new generation of Palestinian storytellers.
But Refaat’s legacy did not end there. A towering figure in Palestinian literature, he helped shape a new generation of writers and thinkers, not only through his words, but through his presence, his mentorship, and his belief in the power of storytelling.
Join them for a special evening of remembrance, reflection, and resistance, as they celebrate the life and work of Refaat Alareer and the community he built around him.
With readings from his poetry and prose, and reflections from three people who knew him personally: Yousef Aljamal, Gaza-based writer, translator, and editor of If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose, a tribute to his former teacher, Ahmed Nehad, writer, translator, and fellow lecturer at the Islamic University in Gaza, who Refaat mentored for many years, and Basma Ghalayini, translator and editor of Palestine +100 and Palestine -1, two ground-breaking science fiction anthologies imagining past and future Palestine’s.
This event, in partnership with Comma Press, is part of Liverpool’s growing cultural response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine, rooted in solidarity, shaped by stories, and driven by the belief that voices like Refaat’s must continue to be heard.
MICHAEL ROSEN, JORDAN STEPHENS AND JACKIE KAY
From Spellow to Southport…with Love is a special family-friendly event featuring three of the UK’s most celebrated poets and performers—Michael Rosen, Jackie Kay, and Jordan Stephens. This day of creativity, storytelling, and poetry aims to promote unity, diversity, and resilience.
The tragic murders of young girls in Southport and the racist riots that followed, resulting in major fire damage to Spellow Library, deeply affected communities across the region. While the library may be repaired, the community still needs healing.
Held at the iconic Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park, this one-off event will include powerful performances, storytelling, and creative activities for all ages. Attendees can write messages of love and unity on postcards and connect with others in their community.
Writing on the Wall, along with Rosen, Kay, and Stephens, believe in the power of creativity to inspire and unite. This event offers a chance to celebrate diversity and come together in a spirit of hope and solidarity.
About the Artists
Michael Rosen is one of Britain’s most beloved children’s poets and authors. Known for classics like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, he has captivated generations with his humor, storytelling, and passion for language. A former BBC Radio 4 presenter and Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, he continues to champion literacy and creativity.
Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of Rizzle Kicks, is a writer, performer, and mental health advocate. His campaign #IAMWHOLE raised awareness of mental health issues, reaching over 120 million people. As a children’s author, his book The Missing Piece was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Prize.
Jackie Kay was born in Edinburgh. A poet, novelist and writer of short stories, she has enjoyed great acclaim for her work for both adults and children; and her novel, Trumpet, won the Guardian Fiction Prize. From 2016-21 she was the third modern Makar, the National Poet for Scotland. She is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Salford.
In challenging times, this event is a space to celebrate what makes our communities strong. Let’s come together and send love from Spellow to Southport.
Join exhibition curators Kay Jones from National Museums Liverpool and James Lawler from DuoVision Arts for a tour of the Holly Johnson Story.
Journey through the exhibition to hear fascinating object and life stories, ask those burning questions, and discover more about one of Liverpool’s most celebrated and iconic LGBTQ+ musicians.
Tickets cost £12 and include entry to the exhibition and a curator-led tour.
Irvine Welsh joins the team to launch his latest novel, Men In Love, the immediate sequel to Trainspotting, continuing the stories of Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie!
Set in the late 1980s and early ’90s against the backdrop of rave culture, Men In Love follows the iconic Trainspotting crew through the dying days of Thatcher’s Britain as they do what they can to feel alive, all while asking themselves whether falling in love is the answer to their problems, or just another futile quest?
Irvine will be in conversation with Peter Hooton, lead singer of The Farm, to discuss returning to the boys, filling in this gap in their stories, and his own memories of Edinburgh in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as signing copies of Men In Love.
Join the team in this new opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing visitors to join a tour of their wonderful transport collections, led by a deaf guide.
For the tour on 19 April only the British Sign Language guide will be interpreted so that hearing visitors can accompany their deaf or hard of hearing friends and family on the tour.
The tour is free but places are limited so please book your ticket early.