Programme of events 2026
The 2026 Literary Festival, held in our iconic Victoria Gallery & Museum will bring together some of the finest authors, poets and creative thinkers. Discover the programme and buy your tickets.
Rebecca Philipson
Saturday 17 October, 10am
Debut novelist Rebecca Philipson joins us to discuss her new book How To Get Away With Murder.
Mahmud El Sayed
Saturday 17 October, 11.30am
Listen to Mahmud El Sayed’s discuss his debut science fiction novel, The Republic of Memory.
Winnie M Li
Saturday 17 October, 1pm
Winnie will be joining us to discuss her latest novel, What We Left Unsaid.
Alexandra Potter
Saturday 17 October, 2.30pm
Bestselling author Alexandra Potter joins us to discuss her latest novel So I Met This Guy…
Thomas Glave and Stephen Small
Saturday 17 October, 4pm
Thomas and Stephen join us to discuss transnational Black culture on both sides of the Atlantic.
Samira Ahmed
Saturday 17 October, 5.30pm
Samira joins us to discuss the film, A Hard Day's Night as well as her book on the Beatles' first film.
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Short Story competition winners
Sunday 18 October, 10am
Our short story competition winners will read excerpts from their entries exploring the theme, 'Travels'.
Frank Shovlin
Sunday 18 October, 11.30am
Frank will be discussing his biography of the Irish writer and novelist, John McGahern.
Lauren Mooney and Saul Leslie
Sunday 18 October, 1pm
Join two University of Liverpool alumni as they discuss their debut novels
John McGahern Annual Book Prize
Sunday 18 October, 2.30pm
Join us for the seventh annual John McGahern Book Prize and hear excerpts from the winning entry.
Benjamin Wood
Sunday 18 October, 4pm
Nero Book Award Fiction Category Winner Benjamin Wood joins us to talk about Seascraper.
Clare Mackintosh
Sunday 18 October, 5.30pm
Best-selling crime author, Clare will be joining us to discuss her latest book It’s Not What You Think.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Sunday 18 October, 7pm
Frank Cottrell-Boyce joins us for his fourth time at the Festival to discuss his latest book.