Literature in Manchester
A UNESCO City of Literature, Manchester has a rich and thriving literary tradition.
Our students can take their inspiration from one of the best university libraries in the country, as well as the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama and the special collections at the John Rylands Library, which include Shakespeare folios and a Guttenberg Bible.
Away from campus, the city of Manchester is home to an excellent network of public libraries, as well as a wealth of literary and arts institutions, venues and attractions such as the Portico Library, the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Elizabeth Gaskell's House, HOME and Chetham's Library.
You will also find independent publishers such as Comma Press, Carcanet Press, Cillian Press and Saraband in Manchester, along with bookshops such as Blackwell's (which is located on campus), Waterstones, Chorlton Bookshop and Chapter 1 Books.
Manchester Literature Festival holds events featuring an array of authors each year, while other literary events also take place around Manchester throughout the year, including talks and spoken word events.
Below you'll find a wealth of places, people, publishers, traditions and resources that are helpful to know about if you write, research or just love books.
Manchester Literature Festival
Each autumn, the biggest and newest names in writing give readings, talks, tours and workshops across various Manchester venues.
Bad Language
Bad Language is a twice Saboteur Award-winning spoken word night based in the Northern Quarter dedicated to live poetry and fiction.
