This October, the University of Liverpool’s Liverpool Literary Festival marks a huge milestone – its 10th anniversary. Over one unforgettable weekend (Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October), the city will once again play host to bestselling authors, cultural commentators, and passionate readers, all gathered to share in the joy of storytelling.
A Headline Conversation with Mark Kermode & Jenny Nelson
Film critic, writer, musician, and broadcaster Mark Kermode takes centre stage on Saturday evening with long-time collaborator Jenny Nelson. Together they’ll discuss their forthcoming book Surround Sound: The Stories of Movie Music — a deep dive into the emotional resonance of film scores. Expect anecdotes from Hollywood soundstages, explorations of iconic soundtracks, and a look at why music is often the secret ingredient in cinema’s most powerful moments.
Opening Night: Emma Jane Unsworth
The Festival kicks off in style with Emma Jane Unsworth, the award-winning screenwriter and novelist, as she introduces her acclaimed new book Slags. Named a Vogue ‘Book of the Summer’, the novel is already generating serious buzz — and with a TV adaptation in the works, audiences will get a sneak peek into a story set to dominate both page and screen. Unsworth, a University of Liverpool alumna, will be in conversation with Dr Danny O’Connor.
Fiction Meets the Climate Crisis: John Ironmonger
On Saturday morning, novelist and zoologist John Ironmonger returns to his alma mater with The Wager and the Bear, a novel that blends gripping storytelling with urgent environmental themes. Building on the success of his international bestseller Not Forgetting the Whale, Ironmonger explores what happens when human ambition collides with the realities of climate collapse.
A New Look at Doctor Who: John Higgs
Whovians, take note. Cultural historian John Higgs promises to upend everything you thought you knew about the Time Lord in Exterminate/Regenerate: The Story of Doctor Who. As the first true biography of the Doctor, this event (Saturday afternoon) will chart the hidden history of one of Britain’s most beloved TV shows, from its eccentric origins to its enduring cultural legacy.
Bold, Topical, and Thought-Provoking Voices
This year’s line-up isn’t afraid to take on weighty subjects. On Saturday, Dr Nussaibah Younis brings her Women’s Prize-shortlisted novel Fundamentally to the festival, tackling themes of radicalism, love, and identity with satirical bite. Later that day, Malik Al Nasir presents Slave Roots, a powerful exploration of family history that connects Liverpool to the legacies of Caribbean slavery.
The evening closes with a treat for fantasy fans: Juno Dawson, bestselling author and TV screenwriter, discusses Human Rites, the much-anticipated finale to her beloved Her Majesty’s Royal Coven series.
Fresh Talent and New Perspectives
Sunday’s programme begins with a celebration of new voices, as the winners of the Festival’s annual Short Story Competition are announced, with readings from both students and staff. Later, Adele Zeynep Walton offers a personal and moving account of the dangers of our digital age in Logging Off, while debut novelist Hattie Williams reflects on the silences and power struggles of relationships in Bitter Sweet.
Closing with Big Names and Local Stories
The weekend finishes with a series of show-stopping events:
- Dorothy Koomson, one of Britain’s most-read Black novelists, shares her latest thriller Give Him To Me while unpacking the impact of abuse and trauma on families.
- Filmmaker and artist Chris Shepherd takes audiences back to 1980s Liverpool in Anfield Road, his acclaimed debut graphic novel and Observer Graphic Novel of the Month.
- Finally, football fans can enjoy Simon Hughes discussing Chasing Salah, the definitive biography of Liverpool FC’s Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah.
Festival Weekend Pass & Tickets
Guests can register to attend or each event via Eventbrite, or you can purchase a Weekend Festival Pass offering guests the chance to purchase full-day or weekend passes which will include reserved seating in the lecture theatre plus a host of other exclusive VIP benefits.
VIP Passes cost: Saturday £45, Sunday £30, Weekend £60.
Individual events costs range from £8 – £12, while also including some free events too.
For the full programme, including timings and booking details, please visit:
liverpool.ac.uk/literary-festival