Smith and Sissay headline Manchester Literature Festival 2023

Manchester Literature Festival has revealed Zadie Smith, Lemm Sissay and Max Porter will headline the festival this autumn.

The 18th incarnation of the festival takes place in September and October across two of the city’s venues, Contact and HOME.

Festival veteran Sissay will appear at a special preview event to launch his latest poetry collection, Let the Light Pour In (Canongate) on 16th September. Porter will discuss his new novel Shy (Faber) on 7th October and perform a dramatic abridged reading with a live electronic score by musician Roly Porter. Smith will appear on 9th October. Jamaican reggae poet, performer and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson will also headline alongside poet and former Makar Jackie Kay on 14th October.

Sarah-Jane Roberts & Cathy Bolton, co-directors of Manchester Literature Festival, said: “Together Linton Kwesi Johnson and Lemn Sissay have had a seismic effect on the poetry scene, inspiring new generations of young poets and lyricists around the globe. Zadie Smith and Max Porter have both had an equally transformative effect on the literary world, drawing thousands of readers to their novels with their memorable characters, profound stories and unique voices. We’re thrilled to welcome them to Manchester Literature Festival this autumn to share their radiant work with our audiences.”

H Gareth Gavin, director of the Centre for New Writing at the University of Manchester, said: “Once again, the Manchester Literature Festival promises to deliver a compelling and captivating programme of events. As readers, writers, students and teachers, we savour the opportunity to listen to such a rich and exciting range of authors read and discuss their work, and we look forward, too, to the ongoing conversations that the events spur. The festival is a landmark chapter in Manchester’s cultural calendar, and we’re very proud to be continuing our partnership this year.” 

Arts Council England director for the North Jen Cleary said, “Manchester Literature Festival is always a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar and we’re delighted to support it as one of our national portfolio organisations. And, in its 18th year, the programme looks as exciting and innovative as ever as illustrated by these headline events. I’m looking forward to experiencing some fantastic discussions and events this autumn.”

Booking opens for festival members on Wednesday (14th June) with general booking opening on Friday (16th June). For more information, visit contactmcr.com.