Birmingham Literature Festival runs from 8 to 12 October

Birmingham Literature Festival returns next month, with authors, poets and thinkers gathering in the city from 8 to 12 October, followed by a Readers' Day on 24 October.

The festival is run by the literature development agency for the region, and is funded as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Who is appearing

Names on the programme include the historian and writer Sathnam Sanghera, broadcaster Zakia Sewell, the historian of sex Dr Kate Lister, the novelist M. John Harrison, the publisher and editor Margaret Busby and the author and campaigner Adele Zeynep Walton.

Where it takes place

Events are held at venues in the city centre, with the Birmingham Rep among the partners. The festival usually includes author talks, panel discussions, poetry, workshops and events for young readers.

A home-grown Booker contender

The festival comes as Birmingham celebrates one of its own. University of Birmingham professor Luke Kennard is on the shortlist for this year's Booker Prize for his novel Black Bag. The winner will be announced in November.

About the organisers

The agency supports writers and readers across the region. Alongside the festival, it runs Spark Young Writers, a programme of workshops for young people, and other projects that help people develop their writing.

A city of writers

Birmingham has a rich literary history. J.R.R. Tolkien grew up in the city, and places such as Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog are said to have inspired parts of Middle-earth. The city has also produced writers including the poet Benjamin Zephaniah and the novelist Catherine O'Flynn.

Tickets

The full programme and tickets are available on the festival's website. Some events are free, and concessions are often available.