Musicians, poets, comedians and masters of prose all set to feature as Wolverhampton Literature Festival announces 2026 line-up

Wolverhampton Literature Festival will take place across the city’s arts and culture venues from February 6 to February 8, with pre-festival events starting on January 31, and a vibrant programme of literature, poetry, dance, and more is anticipated.

On Friday, February 5, pre-festival events take place including England’s Tales of the Council House Kid, which is Francis Dunnery’s heartfelt musical memoir of working-class Britain in the 60s and 70s, live at Wolverhampton Arts Centre. 

Also, on the same day, join Jaivant Patel Company for a thought-provoking panel spotlighting South Asian voices in publishing, exploring representation, identity, and the future of storytelling through a South Asian lens.

Friday’s lineup includes Kasim Ali, who returns with Who Will Remain, a powerful new novel exploring the inner conflict of a young man caught between his parents’ hopes and the harsh realities of the streets, while through "In Escape from Kabul", journalist Karen Bartlett joins a former Afghan judge and Anisa Dhanji for a compelling conversation on justice and the fight for women’s rights. 

On Friday night, Blur drummer Dave Rowntree makes a special appearance 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 will appear at Wolverhampton Art Gallery for a heartwarming and rebellious celebration of the extraordinary characters who’ve inspired his latest book, Wild Folk People.

Saturday at the festival will be packed with a wide range of events and shows. 

Ben Aitken brings warmth and wit as he discusses his latest book, a tribute to Britain’s often-overlooked towns and cities, including Wolverhampton, while broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones explores Under Darkening Skies, the conclusion to his historical trilogy and Kit de Waal returns for an intimate conversation about her poignant new novel The Best of Everything. 

On Sunday, there is a stellar line-up looking at a wide range of genres. 

Imani Erriu discusses Fallen Stars, the sequel in her bestselling Heavenly Bodies series, with insights into her creative process and global fanbase, and Harry Whitehead dives 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 is also a showcase for local talent, including Flexus Dance, who will be performing a special showcase at the Mander Centre and Kupid the King, who presents A Sunday Best Story, an intimate journey through the ten-year history of Wolverhampton's acclaimed artist platform.

Kuli Kohli and Simon Fletcher will be leading workshops and poetry events, while a Special Midlands Premier of MELT IT, a brand-new, destined-to-become-a-classic feature-length documentary about cult comedy hero, The Iceman, is featured at the Lockworks Cinema; and Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists are 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.

Hosted at Wolverhampton Central Library, this year’s Children’s Festival is packed with events for young readers and families. 

The festival presents a magical morning with award-winning children’s author Onjali Q. Raúf, who will share the stories behind her books, with her debut, The Boy at the Back of the Class, having won both the 2019 Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. 

Wolverhampton libraries will also be welcoming Steve Frost and Shannon Frost, author and inspiration of My Mum’s a Chameleon, a not-for-profit children’s book inspired by his daughter and granddaughter. 

The story gently explores a family’s journey through cancer, using love and creativity to turn wig-wearing into a joyful game that helps children understand and cope.

This festival is partnering again with the Black British Book Festival to present a vibrant line-up of engaging events for young people and adults. 

Highlights include My Rice is Best, written by Selina Brown, Founder of the Black British Book Festival, to discuss her picture book that celebrates food, friendship, and cultural pride.

Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said, “With more than 90 events taking place across the city, Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2026 offers something for everyone- whether you're passionate about poetry, curious about new fiction, or looking for family-friendly fun.

“Expect a city-wide celebration of creativity, connection, and culture, where stories come alive and voices from all walks of life are heard. Join us for a festival that’s diverse, dynamic, and full of inspiration.

“I urge everyone to get involved and get their tickets.”

To find out more about the acts and to get tickets, go to the Wolverhampton Literature Festival website.