Top 3: Graham Norton, Susan Calman and Kate Atkinson at Mcr Lit Fest

In preparation for the full line-up and programme announcement of Manchester Literature Festival in August, there are three events currently on sale for the October festival featuring some big-hitters to whet your appetite for a festival of words.

1. Graham Norton’s latest novel
Irish chat show king and winner of 8 BAFTA awards, voice of Eurovision Graham Norton is also a well regarded novelist. His latest novel, ‘A Keeper’ is a tale of family secrets and ill-fated loves. In ‘An Evening With Graham Norton’ Norton will be talking about his varied career which has taken in sitcoms, hosting, as well as writing, and a signed copy of the book is included with every ticket.
Sun 7 Oct, RNCM Theatre, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD, Tel: 0161 907 5200, 7pm, £25, www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

2. Sunny Side Up with Susan Calman
Also fresh from a BBC hit, Susan Calman follows up her twinkle toed performance on Strictly Come Dancing with a return appearance at MLF. Her debut performance at the festival saw her bring tears and laughter as she discussed her memoir and attempt to help people overcome depression. Now, with ‘Sunny Side Up’ she aims to help people discover joy and embrace happiness and kindness. In ‘An Evening With Susan Calman’ she’ll be reading from and discussing the new book.
Sat 13 Oct, RNCM Concert Hall, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD, Tel: 0161 907 5200, 7:30pm, £12 (£25 with book), www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

3. Kate Atkinson at Royal Exchange
One of Britain’s most accomplished and well regarded novellists, Kate Atkinson will be coming to the glorious Royal Exchange to discuss her now novel ‘Transcription’ for a Sunday afternoon with one of the country’s greatest writers. Having won the Costa Award with both of her last two novels, there is a lot of anticipation that greets every Atkinson release. The latest has been described as having an extraordinary amount of wit, power, and empathy and will be available after the event.
Sun 21 Oct, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH, Tel: 0161 833 9833, 3pm, £10 (£26 with a copy of the book), www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk