Manchester Literature Festival returns

This year's line-up of distinguished guests includes Martin Amis, Simon Armitage, Kate Atkinson, Joan Bakewell, Eoin Colfer, Marilyn Hacker, James Lasdun, Michelle Magorian, Val McDermid, Jimmy McGovern, Jeff Noon, Ruth Padel, Frederic Raphael, Fay Weldon, Guo Yue and many others.

We give special focus to the short story in our Short Weekend (23 – 24 October), with leading exponents of the form sharing stories inspired by science, The Smiths, political exile, and above all, what it is to be human. With everything from Football Detectives to Darwin-inspired poetry; from a Rainy City Stories walking tour to a cartooning workshop for all the family, there’s sure to be something to spark your imagination at this year's MLF.

For full details visit http://manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/ where you can check out the programme listings or download a copy of the festival brochure from.