About Us

Manchester Literature Festival (MLF) began trading in 2006 and was built on the legacy of its successful predecessor, Manchester Poetry Festival.

MLF Mission & Vision
Manchester Literature Festival is a celebration of imagination, ideas, stories, and voices from around the world. It is part of Manchester’s rich cultural tapestry and is committed to bringing together the most exciting storytellers, poets, and thinkers for everyone to enjoy.

Our vision is for everyone to discover a love of literature in all its forms. To provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people can connect with each other; experience events that entertain, surprise and move them; and be inspired to become the writers, readers and activists of the future.

MLF Main Objectives

  • to showcase the very best in contemporary writing from across the world
  • to commission innovative literature from established and emerging writers
  • to provide opportunities for writers to experiment with new media in the production and presentation of their work
  • to promote Manchester as a hub for international cultural exchange
  • to provide inspirational opportunities for children and young people to engage in creative writing and reading activities.

Company Information

Company Registration No. 4369668. Charity Registration No. 1121276.

Privacy Notice

You can download a copy of our Privacy Notice by clicking on the link above.

Festival Personnel
Festival Co-Directors: Cathy Bolton & Sarah-Jane Roberts
Children and Young People's Programme Producer: Miriam Wild
Festival Fundraiser: Charlotte Platt
Digital Engagement Coordinator: Angie Lee
Volunteer Coordinator: Liz Coupe
Freelance Admin Assistant: Melanie McMinn
Digital Event Producer: Ben Pugh

Press & PR: Lethal Communications, Catharine Braithwaite & Shelagh Bourke

Board of Trustees: Afshan D'souza-Lodhi, Karl Jackson, Peter Mearns (Chair), Anne-Marie Nugnes, Gwen Oakden, Erinn Roocroft, Becca Parkinson, Jo Somerset, Bonnie Turnbull, Ben Ward & Andrew Westle.

Festival Patrons
Rachel Cooke (author and Observer critic)
Carol Ann Duffy (UK Poet Laureate)
Jackie Kay (Scottish Makar and Chancellor of Salford University)
Jenni Murray (broadcaster and anchor of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour)
Miranda Sawyer (broadcaster and journalist)
Michael Schmidt (poet, founder and editorial director of Carcanet Press & PN Review)
Kamila Shamsie (author and lecturer at the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing)
Erica Wagner (author, editor and broadcaster)

Artistic Associates
Katie Popperwell (arts journalist and event programmer)
Nikesh Shukla (novelist and scriptwriter)