Black British Book Festival returns to Manchester next year

The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year.

Its return follows a successful event at the library last September. Next year’s edition will take place on Sat 29 Mar, and promises to bring ‘the incredible energy, cultural and celebration of Black British literature’ to the city.

The festival will offer opportunities to connect with inspiring Black British authors, storytellers, and book lovers. Open to all and free to attend, it will be a day to celebrate Black voices and stories through workshops, the chance to participate in panels and buy books and more.

Founded by Selina Brown in 2021, the Black British Book Festival is Europe’s largest celebration of Black Literature and has taken place in London each Autumn.

This year’s London event featured talks from Grammy Award-winning rapper Eve Jihan Cooper; Diane Abbott discussed her experiences in a panel titled A Woman Like Me, while journalist and presenter Charlene White led an insightful session.

Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: “We are delighted that during Black History Month we can announce the return of the Black British Book Festival to Manchester. We are proud of our year-round diverse cultural programme, and the work Read Manchester has done to ensure our residents can see themselves in the books held in libraries.

“We are so pleased the Festival is returning to Central Library in March next year. Last year’s event in Manchester was inspirational and I’m sure the upcoming event will be too.”