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Talks about the Beatles, the myth of Madea and a dinner about psychopaths among new talks and events announced for Wolverhampton Literature Festival

A diverse mix of acts have been announced for the Wolverhampton Literature Festive, covering everything from the Beatles to the Wicker Man.

By James Vukmirovic
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The acts have been announced as part of the festival's vibrant programme of literature, poetry, dance and more which takes place across Wolverhampton's arts and culture venues from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8 February, with pre-Festival events starting on Saturday, January 31.

The festival will welcome Natalie Haynes, acclaimed author of A Thousand Ships and Pandora’s Jar, to discuss her new book No Friend to This House, a luminous retelling of the myth of Medea and her turbulent relationship with Jason.

To celebrate the recent publication of the companion book to the acclaimed documentary Children Of The Wicker Man, Wolverhampton Literature Festival will welcome Justin Hardy and Chris Nunn for a documentary screening and Q&A.  

The festival will also present two of the UK’s top thriller writers to discuss their latest works. 

Mark Edwards and TM Logan will both be part of the festival to talk about their thrillers
Mark Edwards and TM Logan will both be part of the festival to talk about their thrillers

Wolverhampton-born Mark Edwards will be welcoming the audience to dinner where a twisting psychological drama between erstwhile graduates is about to open in The Wasp Trap. 

Meanwhile, TM Logan will be bringing a group of friends renting a converted farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales, who have little idea that this one weekend may change the course of their lives forever in The Weekend. 

Those in attendance can expect an event full of festering secrets, blackmail and tragedy, with people left wondering at the end if some of their best friends might be psychopaths.

Finally, the Arena Theatre welcomes broadcaster and novelist Stuart Maconie, who will be speaking about the Beatles. 

The event will look at how everyone knows a Beatles tune, but their story goes beyond the omnipresent songs and iconic albums and how The Beatles narrative has both shaped and reflected the country people live in today. 

Stuart Maconie will go deep inside the story of the Fab Four at his event
Stuart Maconie will go deep inside the story of the Fab Four at his event

Stuart Maconie will look at how four lads from Liverpool have taken a seat alongside Shakespeare as one of the key cultural exports to the world, a world they changed and re-made in their own image in a blaze of creativity. 

Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills at Wolverhampton Council, said: "With more than 90 events happening across Wolverhampton, 2026’s Literature Festival truly has something for everyone, whether you’re inspired by poetry, intrigued by new fiction or seeking family-friendly entertainment.

“This is a city-wide celebration of creativity, culture and connection, where stories take centre stage and voices from every background are heard. It’s a Festival that’s vibrant, inclusive, and brimming with inspiration. 

"I encourage everyone to take part and secure their tickets."

To find out more about the festival line-up and to book tickets, go to the Wolverhampton Literature Festival website.