Free Black book festival celebrating 'diverse voices' to come to Manchester for first time
A free book festival celebrating diverse voices with panel discussions, live readings, and market stalls will be coming to Manchester for the first time.
The Black British Book Festival, which has been hailed as the biggest Black literature festival in the UK and Europe, will head to the Central Library on Saturday, March 29 for a day of events.
The London-based festival has previously visited the city centre as part of a nationwide tour in 2023, but this will be the first time the festival has set up base here. The festival will include a line-up including DJ Paulette, academic Kehinde Andrews, poet Joseph Coelho, and novelist Chibundu Onuzo.
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Manchester-based author Kimberly Whittam, who is due to release the upcoming Angel Cake in May, and award-winning novelist Abiola Bello, who is behind the best-selling Emily Knight children’s book series, will also be taking part in the festival for a live reading.
Highlights of the festival will include a panel discussion from esteemed authors Kit de Waal, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, Jeffrey Boakye, and Cebo Campbell on the 'power of storytelling to explore Black identity, resilience and navigating a world that often marginalizes Black voices'.
DJ Paulette, who recently published her memoir Welcome to the Club, will take part in a Beats, Battles, and Triumphs event to discuss her incredible experiences of ‘breaking barriers as a Black woman in the DJ world’ whilst Kehinde Andrews will deliver a powerful talk on Malcolm X.
Alongside Abiola, there will also be live author readings from Ola Awonubi, who is behind Unveiling History: Writing Stories of Courage and Legacy, and Mayowa and the Sea of Words' author Chibundu Onuzo.
There will also be a special appearance from Steven Bryant, the author of children’s book My Mommy Is: A Colorful Celebration of Love, alongside creative workshops and a Black Book Marketplace where people can browse and buy items.
For the festival organisers, the Manchester event will mark their ‘first major festival of the year’, with the London festival also set to return in October 2025. Over the years, the London event has seen the likes of Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock, rapper Eve, politician Diane Abbott and Loose Women panellist Charlene White take part.
Speaking about the event, organisers said: “After an incredible stop in Manchester in 2023, we’re bringing the full festival experience to the city for the very first time! Expect a day packed with inspiring panels, live readings, creative workshops, and an exciting Black Book Marketplace.
“This festival is all about connecting communities, celebrating Black literature, and inspiring new generations of readers and writers. Tickets are free, but spaces are limited!"
General admission tickets can be ordered here, whilst individual tickets for each of the discussions, workshops and readings can be found here.