Birmingham Literature Festival

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

A legend and trailblazer of British publishing, Margaret Busby joins us at Birmingham Literature Festival this October. Here are just some of the incredible moments from her story, spanning the last 50 years.

Join us to find out more about the many elements that have contributed to shaping her life, from her childhood in Ghana to the Black writers, intellectuals, artists and activists she has worked with, befriended, supported and championed for over half a century.

In conversation with Birmingham Literature Festival Director, Shantel Edwards.

Thursday 8th October 2026
Birmingham Rep, 8.30pm-9.30pm
Tickets: £10/£8 (concs)
Birminghamliteraturefestival.org

10/09/2026

In the face of economic turmoil and climate crisis, there are communities of people who have been feverously looking to our long forgotten and overlooked places – harbours, overgrown forests and former sites of industry – for new designs on the future: and starting the slow process of building towards it.

In her revealing new book Frontierlands, journalist Hazel Sheffield traverses the length and breadth of contemporary Britain to show how community action is helping to regenerate our fragmented and rapidly fading environments, discovering a new purpose and power led by the faith and ingenuity of those who live there.

Join us on Thursday, 8 October at 8 PM to see Hazel in conversation with award-winning Birmingham-based journalist, Dan Cave.

09/09/2026

From fiction and theatre to music and art, these events explore how culture influences creative work, what it means to build and sustain a creative life, and how the arts can reflect, challenge and reshape the world around us.

06/09/2026

Lively conversations, signed books and shared stories. The Birmingham Literature Festival brings readers and writers together in unforgettable ways. Make sure to join us this year as we explore the things that have always connected us: books, ideas and conversations.

04/09/2026

Is it ever really possible to separate the art from the artist? And should we really ‘cancel’ works of art and their makers for the troubling and tumultuous details of their lives?

In her provocative new book Depraved, philosopher of art Daisy Dixon turns her gaze on some of the most revered (and contentious) works of art to ask whether the questionable deeds of the artist can really transfer onto the canvas, page, or screen. And is it still possible to find light in the darkest corners of our collective souls?

Join us on Saturday 10th October, 11 AM to see Daisy in conversation with Birmingham-based author and psychologist, Kate Mascarenhas.

02/09/2026

From live performance poetry to the inauguration of the new Birmingham Poets Laureate – we have a huge amount for poetry lovers at this year’s festival.

We’re delighted to be hosting a whole day of wonderful poetry events run by VERVE, a mix of poetry workshops, and an evening with acclaimed poet Liz Berry in the beautifully atmospheric Birmingham Cathedral, and more.

01/09/2026

George Michael: musician, icon and writer of arguably one of the greatest love songs of the 20th century. But alongside the magic of the music, his life led him through one of the most turbulent periods of recent British history.

In his expansive and joyful new book Tonight the Music Seems So Loud, bestselling journalist and broadcaster Sathnam Sanghera returns to the Birmingham Literature Festival to guide us beyond the unmistakable beat of the 80’s dancefloor into the life and times of this most bold and beloved artist.

A story of radical invention, sexuality and songs we can still sing every lyric from… Join us on Friday 9th October, 8:30 PM at The Rep, Birmingham to see Sathnam in conversation with journalist and broadcaster, Pete Paphides.

28/08/2026

Meaningful conversations, the exchange of ideas and making new connections - all reasons to love Birmingham Literature Festival. Come along to hear from your favourite authors, connect with fellow readers and discover new titles!