Henry Normal poetry book launch at Manchester Central Library

Best known for his career in film and television (Royle Family, Gavin and Stacey, Philomena and numerous Steve Coogan co-projects), scriptwriter and producer Henry Normal is also a poet – described by The Scotsman as the “Alan Bennett of Poetry”. Raining Upwards is his first new all new collection in 20 years, published by North West-based indie publisher Flapjack Press. The event is a welcome return to the city where he set up the Manchester Poetry Festival in the 1990s, precursor of the city’s Literature Festival. The evening will feature a reading and book signing by Normal plus performances from special guests Theresa Sowerby and SuAndi.

Fri 29 Sep, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD, 6pm (doors open 5.30pm), FREE. www.librarylive.co.uk