Welcome to Chorlton Book Festival 2026!

Chorlton Book Festival is from September 17th until 26th September 2026.

We’re excited to celebrate the love of literature with you, especially during the National Year of Reading. Join us at Chorlton Library this September as we celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling in all its magical forms. 

Joining us for the third time will be the bestselling historian and author Brian Groom discussing his new book ‘These Isles’. Described as ‘an inventive new look at the entwined histories of Britain and Ireland’s nations – and the people who have called them home’.  

The hugely popular Livi Micheal will be talking about her stunning story inspired by letters between Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens about a young prostitute in Manchester and Qaisra Sharaz, the powerhouse behind the MACFEST festival will be taking some valued time to discuss her own stories and literary career. 

Fans of spoken word will also be treated by a special Manchester Poets event. We’ll also be welcoming back the fab Flapjack Press for another eclectic and magical evening.

If you are into your history, get planning now, as we’ve got Chris Hall, Andrew Simpson, Ed Glinert and Pete Topping all appearing with talks ranging from the Spanish Civil War to the History of Salford. There will of course be the festival favourite local history Walk and Talk around Beech Road as well.

This year is also about celebrating the readers and the joy that reading can bring as a community. So, get ready for our Big Book Quiz night and our first Cosy Silent Reading Club!

We’ve left the most important events till last, because we LOVE welcoming children and families to Chorlton Library and bringing stories to life. So we’ve got jam packed plans with Artful Playground, Lego Clubs, Crafting with Mandy Cleveland and special Storytimes all lined up and ready to GO ALL IN!

Find out more at chorltonbookfestival.com 

Eddie – Wednesday 10th June 2026.