Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2025: Who is appearing, where to watch and what is happening
There are a whole host of big names and creative types appearing at Wolverhampton's annual Literature Festival and lots of different and diverse events, so here is a guide to the festival and what to expect.
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One of the highlights of the Wolverhampton arts and culture calendar is returning for another round of talks, seminars, workshops and shows dedicated to literature, poetry and creativity.
The 2025 Wolverhampton Literature Festival will bring big names from the world of TV, theatre and music to venues across the city over a busy weekend of events.
Ahead of the start of the festival on January 25, we've put together this list of what is happening, who is appearing, the history of the event and where you can go to watch the events.
It starts on January 25 with a number of pre-festival events, while the main core of the events is taking place between January 31 and February 2.
Comedian and history buff Al Murray (The Pub Landlord, Taskmaster) will bring his passion for history to the festival weekend at 1pm on Friday, January 31 at Wolverhampton Gallery's Georgian Gallery.
In Arnhem: Black Tuesday, he explores the legendary battle of Arnhem, shedding new light on one of history’s heroic failures with his trademark knowledge, wit, and enthusiasm.
For music fans, legendary drummer of The Jam, Rick Bucker, will be bringing us a night of memories at the Robin 2, as he shares stories from a career which included 18 consecutive top 40 singles and defined a generation. He is appearong on Friday, January 31 at 7.30pm at The Robin.
Jordan Stephens, actor, and author and one half of duo Rizzle Kicks, will discuss fame, ADHD, and modern masculinity, offering a deeply personal perspective on mental health and identity. He is appearing on Saturday, February 1 at 7.30pm at Wolverhampton Gallery's Georgian Gallery.
Abi Daré returns to discuss her powerful sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice, continuing her exploration of resilience and empowerment. She is appearing on Saturday, February 1 at Woverhampton Art Gallery's Georgian Gallery.
Shappi Khorsandi will present Scatter Brain, a hilarious and heartfelt reflection on her life through the lens of ADHD. Shappi’s journey of self discovery will entertain, enlighten, and resonate with audiences. She is appearing on Sunday, February 2 at Bilston Town Hall.
Activist and speaker Patrick Vernon, joined by collaborator Yansie Rolston, will present their book Black Grief and Healing, which explores the unique experiences of loss in the Black community and the impact of misunderstood rituals and traditions.
Ashley John-Baptiste, TV presenter and broadcaster, shares his moving story of growing up in the British care system. His journey of resilience and self discovery will inspire audiences of all backgrounds.
Wolverhampton’s own Rob Manuel bring his million follower social media sensation Fesshole to the Newhampton Arts Centre for some of the internet’s naughtiest, funniest, cringiest confessions.
Mark Billingham will discuss his latest book The Wrong Hands alongside local favourite Mark Edwards, while Jim Bob from Carter USM will attempt to explain where songs come from, how they got here, and maybe even why.
Author Onjali Q. Raúf introduces her latest novel, The Letter with the Golden Stamp, a heartfelt and suspenseful story which dives into the world of young carer Audrey, who juggles school, her own dreams, and the immense responsibility of caring for her sick mother and siblings, all while guarding secrets only she knows.
Sohan Kailey returns to the festival for another Bhangra Pirate adventure, with plenty of opportunities for young pirates to dance and play along in a joyful, silly, funny and comical show which features lots of interactive storytelling, fun, games, music, dancing and puppetry.
Marvel-nut Helen Comerford will be holding an interactive session where participants will write their own superhero. The workshop will include; research, analysis, creative writing and even some drawing.
The main core of the events are taking place at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, but there are different venues across Wolverhampton where shows are taking place.
The Arena Theatre on Wulfruna Street will host several events, while the Newhampton Arts Centre on Dunkley Street will host several events in its theatre and the Central Library on Snow Hill will be the setting for workshops and several Meet the Artist events.
Elsewhere, The Robin in Bilston will be the setting for Rick Buckler's appearance, the Mander Centre Community Hub will host events and Shaparak Khorsandi will bring the festival to a close at Bilston Town Hall.
The first Wolverhampton Literature Festival took place in 2017 and has been a part of the Wolverhampton cultural calendar since, even running during the Covid-19 pandemic as events were able to take place online.
The Wolverhampton Literature Festival has played host to some notable names from the literary world, as well as from stage and television.
Wolverhampton-born journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera has been a regular at the festival, talking about his different books, while comedian Robin Ince is also a regular attendee, as is writer and activist Patrick Vernon.
Heavy Metal legend Rob Halford appeared from his home in Arizona in 2021, while author and commentator Will Self also made an appearance that year, with John Cooper Clark, Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews, Selecter singer Pauline Black and comedian Richard Herring have also appeared.
Literary giant Irving Welsh was the headliner in 2023, while Sandi Toksvig has graced the stage, as have Phil Wang, Miles Jupp, former snooker world champion Steve Davis and journalist James O'Brien.
