In pictures: Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2026 featuring Dr Hilary and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree

Big names and big words at the 2026 Wolverhampton Literature Festival - photos by Jack Rogers

It was a weekend of words and meaning for many in Wolverhampton as the city's renowned Literature Festival returned to its arts and culture venues.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant programme of literature, poetry, and more from Friday to Sunday.

Pre-festival events included England’s Tales of the Council House Kid - Francis Dunnery’s heartfelt musical memoir of working-class Britain in the 60s and 70s, live at Wolverhampton Arts Centre.

Powerful storytelling, classic tunes, and uplifting nostalgia filled the venue.

Jaivant Patel Company provided a thought-provoking panel spotlighting South Asian voices in publishing, exploring representation, identity, and the future of storytelling through a South Asian lens.

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree also made a special appearance on Friday to share No One You Know - his new book featuring unseen photos, personal memories, and a rare glimpse into the band’s early years from someone who lived it.

Folk Singer Beans on Toast also joined the festival at Wolverhampton Art Gallery for a heartwarming and rebellious celebration of the extraordinary characters who’ve inspired his latest book, Wild Folk People.

Saturday was packed with literary brilliance. Ben Aitken brought warmth and wit as he discussed his latest book - a tribute to Britain’s often-overlooked towns and cities, including Wolverhampton.

Broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones explored Under Darkening Skies, the gripping conclusion to his historical trilogy.

He offered insights into his writing process, the medical milestones that inspired the saga, and the historical research behind it.

Birmingham author Kit de Waal returned for an intimate conversation about her poignant new novel The Best of Everything.

On Sunday, the stellar line-up featured a wide range of genres.

Imani Erriu discussed Fallen Stars, the thrilling sequel in her bestselling Heavenly Bodies series, with insights into her creative process and global fanbase.

Harry Whitehead dived into White Road, an environmental thriller set in the High Arctic, sharing the real-life research behind its explosive opening and exploration on issues surrounding climate change.

The festival also proudly showcased local talent, including: Flexus Dance, performing a special showcase at the Mander Centre; Kupid the King, presents A Sunday Best Story, an intimate journey through the ten-year history of Wolverhampton's acclaimed artist platform at our new partner venue space; Kuli Kohli and Simon Fletcher are leading workshops and poetry events; a Special Midlands Premier of MELT IT, a brand-new, destined-to-become-a-classic feature-length documentary about cult comedy hero, The Iceman, at the Lockworks Cinema; and Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists hosting events at Arena Theatre with the Fringe Rooms and the Wolverhampton Literature Festival’s Poetry Slam 2026, where 15 poets go head-to-head in a fast-paced live poetry competition.

Here’s our gallery of pictures from the event: