As WoWFest mark their 25th anniversary, they reflect on the journey that has shaped Writing on the Wall since their first festival in June 2000. Founded on principles of social justice, they have always been a voice for change, a platform for truth, and a home for writers, artists, activists, and communities—from the Dingle to Dakota and beyond.
WoW’s roots lie in the Liverpool Dockers’ Lockout, and the resilience of those who fought back then is imprinted on their DNA. Against the backdrop of today’s global challenges, they believe writers and artists are vital voices for hope and change.
Balancing entertainment and activism, they have driven positive change—publishing over 500 writers in the past decade alone and paving the way for emerging talent through projects like Liverpool Young Writers and Pulp Idol.
Their 25th festival welcomes old friends and some first-time guests. Here are a selection of highlights for 2025:
Irvine Welsh, Rough Trade Liverpool (2 May)
To kick off the 25th anniversary celebrations, WoW are delighted to bring you Irvine Welsh, who paid them the greatest compliment, stating, “There isn’t another writing festival in England as good as Writing on the Wall.” Famed for his iconic novels, not least of all the ground-breaking Trainspotting, Irvine joins WoWFEST to discuss Resolution, the third of his novels featuring Ray Lennox.
A night with Irvine Welsh is always fun, a bit gritty, entertaining, and always gets you thinking. Irvine Welsh will be in conversation with author, visual artist and musician Zoë Howe. Join WoWFEST in welcoming back one of their earliest and most favourite WoW guests, Irvine Welsh, for the chance to get inside the mind of the man who created such iconic characters as Renton, Sick Boy, and Spud.
The Best Of Everything: Kit De Waal, Online (13 May)
Not only is Kit de Waal an incredibly talented writer and storyteller, she is also a champion for elevating the voices and opportunities for diverse, working class writers, putting her money where her mouth is by creating the Kit de Waal Creative Writing Scholarship to help improve working-class representation in the arts.
They welcome her back to WoWFEST for this online event discussing her latest novel, The Best of Everything, described by Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo as ‘A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power’.
Levi Tafari, Victoria Gallery and Museum (9 May)
Levi Tafari is a renowned poet, performer, and educator whose work spans literature, music, and activism. Known for his powerful storytelling, Tafari’s poetry blends elements of reggae, Rastafari culture, and social commentary. His work has earned him widespread acclaim, as he consistently seeks to inspire and uplift. Levi has performed around the world, captivating audiences along the way.
Levi has long been a member of the Writing on the Wall artistic community, working on such projects as From Great War to Race Riots, the Princes Boulevard Steps initiative and most recently in the re-opening for Spellow Library. Levi will perform from his powerful new collection, Being Human, a celebration of the human spirit.
Liverpool Rising Against Racism, St George’s Hall (17 May)
Come together for an unforgettable night of music and spoken word, celebrating diversity and Liverpool Rising Against Racism in one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.
Hip-hop legend Skinnyman, who returns to the city in a show of solidarity, will be joined by a blistering line-up of Liverpool talent, including rapper Blue Saint, Yemeni Scouse poet Amina Atiq, and rising stars Sam Millne & the Virants, with more exciting names to be announced.
Expect big beats and rhymes, unforgettable performances, and an excellent vibe. The night will kick off with a spectacular outdoor performance by the Batala drummers at the North Entrance to the hall.
The Singh Twins, Museum Of Liverpool (18 May)
WoW are hosting the Liverpool launch of The Singh Twins‘ latest book, Slaves of Fashion: Art of the Singh Twins – Personal Reflections on Hidden Stories of Empire, Colonialism, and Their Legacies.
This richly illustrated, artist-designed book, showcases Slaves of Fashion, an award-winning series of portrait-based allegorical and narrative works by contemporary British artists The Singh Twins. Slaves of Fashion explores diverse histories and legacies of empire and colonialism through the history of Indian textiles. It is a global story of conflict, conquest, exploitation, slavery, intercultural exchange, and changing fashion.
Absurageddon: Armando Iannucci, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (22 May)
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.
From Spellow to Southport…with Love, The Isla Gladstone Conservatory (28 May)
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, Jordan Stephens, and Beth Suzanna. Join Jordan and Beth for a captivating and interactive storytelling adventure to discover the wonders of the natural world! 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. Writing on the Wall, in partnership with Culture Liverpool and Spellow Library, ran a series of free creative writing sessions called What’s Your Walton Story? for anyone who wanted to share their experience of living or working in the community. They will be celebrating these stories on the day and launching an anthology of work.
John Cooper Clarke, Everyman Theatre (30 May)
Making a welcome return to WoWFEST, Dr John Cooper Clarke, one of the most iconic poets of our time, whose seminal works, including Evidently Chickentown and (I Married a) Monster from Outer Space are as relevant and vibrant today as when they were first written.
His status as the Godfather of Punk Poetry is now firmly established as Dr John Cooper Clarke became the first-ever poet to headline an arena in the UK, with a sell-out performance at The Co-op arena in Manchester. You will not want to miss this unique evening of conversation and performance. The self-confessed nosy parker is hot off the back of his arena tour and the paperback release of his best-selling poetry collection, WHAT.
See the full WoWFEST25 programme and get your tickets via writingonthewall.org.uk/whats-on.