The seventh Liverpool Literary Festival took place over the weekend (7-9 October) with a packed schedule, featuring an eclectic range of authors and lively discussion.
For the first time, visitors could buy day and weekend VIP passes to enjoy the range of events on offer.
The festival opened on Friday night with the Liverpool Literary Lecture, delivered by legendary British crime writer Ann Cleeves in the state-of-the-art Tung Auditorium. The imagination behind successful TV adaptations, Shetland and Vera was also presented with an honorary doctorate by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Janet Beer.
The University’s iconic Victoria Gallery and Museum was the central hub for activities, with the historic Leggate Theatre hosting the rest of the events. Saturday started off with Seaforth-born Lauren John Joseph, writer for stage, page and screen, discussing their debut novel, At certain Points We Touch.
Saturday saw acclaimed author Patrick Gale, take the audience across the river Tamar with a talk on his latest book, Mother’s Boy, a fictionalised biography of the celebrated Cornish poet, Charles Causley.
The afternoon continued with a captivating discussion between local author, poet and academic Malik Al Nasir, an alumnus of the University, and BBC Radio Merseyside’s Jermaine Foster. Mailk talked about his memoir, Letters to Gil, describing his journey from a child in the care system to reading for a PhD at the University of Cambridge.
Malik’s memoir was a sell-out at the Blackwells pop-up stall, who provided festival-goers with signed copies of books from all their favourite authors.
The events on Saturday were rounded off with a conversation between veteran bestselling novelist Joanna Trollope and Dame Janet Beer.
Sunday saw a range of insightful discussions with the winners of the Great Read university short story competition reading from their work on the theme ‘Looking forward, looking back.’ Founder of the Liverpool Literary Agency, Clare Coombs also gave some invaluable insights into how to get a book deal and break into the publishing industry.
Merseyside literary superstar Frank Cottrell-Boyce, introduced by Professor Dinah Birch, delivered an enthralling talk covering everything from soft power, the Beatles, James Bond and Eurovision.
The festival ended on a high with Adele Parks MBE discussing her 22 bestselling novels in an amusing and insightful conversation with her husband, Jim.
Liverpool Literary Festival Director, Professor Dinah Birch: “It was an absolute delight to welcome everyone to campus for the annual Liverpool Literary Festival.
“It was a weekend packed full of readings, great debate and insightful discussion and I’d like to thank everyone who supported the Festival. We look forward to seeing you next year!”
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