Pan Macmillan named headline sponsor of Black British Book Festival

Pan Macmillan will be the headline sponsor for the Black British Book Festival, taking place next month in Birmingham.

Founded by Selina Brown, the event aims to demystify the publishing industry and assist in removing barriers for Black authors.

As part of the programme, Pan Macmillan staff members will be mentoring festival goers, providing advice on how to edit submissions and giving an insight into jobs within the industry. David Olusoga, Diane Ewen, Lola Jaye and T L Huchu are among authors confirmed to feature at the day-long event, which will be held on 4th June at the Legacy Centre of Excellence in Aston. 

Kicking off at 11am, the festival will feature masterclasses hosted by award-winning early years anti-racist trainer and consultant Liz Pemberton alongside poet, performer and educator Casey Bailey. Interactive workshops, a children’s zone, and a Black book marketplace will also be available for all to attend.

Topics of conversation will include Black British representation, creating a career as an author and how to find an agent.

“The Black British Book Festival is needed, it’s a hugely necessary addition to the UK publishing Industry,” Brown said. “I founded this festival as I saw that Black authors were having difficulties accessing traditional publishing, as there are often multiple barriers to entry. I wanted the industry to start opening more doors to Black authors and I’m happy that Pan Macmillan has committed itself to doing just that.The festival is a space where Black authors are lifted up and celebrated. This is an event for everyone to enjoy the vibrant, colourful and touching voices of Black writers from across the UK.”

Joanna Prior, c.e.o of Pan Macmillan, said: “I am delighted that Pan Macmillan will be the headline sponsor of this important festival. We are committed to reaching the widest readership for our books and authors and look to make Pan Macmillan a destination for the best writing talent in the UK today. We also want to be a welcoming and inclusive place to work. 

“It is great to see such a strong line-up of some of our Black authors and illustrators at the festival and hope that our partnership with Selina and her team will signal our commitment to investing in Black writers and illustrators of the future. We want to learn and build our expertise in engaging with readers as well as prospective writers as we work closely with Selina, sharing in her commitment and ambition to deliver a superb event.”

Supporters of the event include National Literacy Society, Writing West Midlands, Black Child Promotions and School Library Association. Tickets can be purchased here.