Hundred-strong line-up for city literary festival

May 10 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE biggest line-up in the history of Liverpool’s Writing on the Wall literary festival is set to attract hundreds to the city.

Established names such as director Stephen Poliakoff, Tony Benn MP and former drug trafficker Howard Marks are taking part in the festival, which runs throughout May.

Co-ordinator Madeline Heneghan said: “This is our most ambitious festival to date, with over 100 writers and celebrities taking part.

“It is the first time Stephen Poliakoff is making a public appearance in the city so we’re very pleased with that.

“It’s not just the big names that make WOW. It is a unique festival as it is concerned with social issues and engaging with the community.”

WOW was launched last week with author James Friel’s new novel, The Higher Realm.

Highlights over the rest of the festival include the High Life and Low Times of Charlie Parker, which takes place at the Rodewald Suite of the Philharmonic Hall on Saturday and is a musical and spoken word tribute to the jazz legend.

On Sunday, spoken word is fused with cello and vocals for a unique performance, Doin’ Moon, at the Magnet on Hardman Street.

Author Ian Carroll gives a talk and Q&A session at the Casa on Wednesday, May 14 on his new book Israel/Palestine – a 4,000 Year History.

Journalist and broadcaster Yasmin Alibhai-Brown gives a one-woman show about being a Ugandan in Britain at the Rodewald Suite on Friday, May 16.

Back at the Magnet on Sunday, May 18, there is a 30th anniversary celebration of the first Rock Against Racism event, with music from folk artist Lizzie Nunnery and Matin Smith reading from his new book, A History of the Anti Nazi League and Rock Against Racism.

Tony Benn teams up with folk artist Roy Bailey for The Writing on the Wall, a history of political dissent in words and song, at the Philharmonic Hall on Monday May 19.

An evening with Stephen Poliakoff, featuring a screening of his award-winning film, Gideon’s Daughter, takes place at the Unity Theatre on Thursday, May 22.

Howard Marks teams up with writer and former policeman Harry Morris for a conversation at the Bluecoat on Saturday, May 24.

Journalist Brian Reade and representatives from Liverpool and Everton fan groups meet for the debate Who Owns the Beautiful Game? at Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield on Wednesday May 28.

Young writers take part in the one-off Grime, Big Beats and Rhyme on Friday May 30, alongside established urban musicians at the Picket.

Author Niall Griffiths leads a pub crawl starting at Peter Kavanagh’s on Egerton Street on Saturday, May 31, with performances along the way.

FOR more information and the full line-up see the festival website at www.writingonthewall.org.uk.

vickyanderson