The Huddersfield Literature is back! Join us for ten days of literary fun, with events for all ages hosted in and around Huddersfield. Visit the festival website to book tickets for over forty events, and read on below to find out what some of our highlights are for this year.

Grist launch – ‘Trouble’ 28 ^th march, 5:45 – 6:45 pm at Small Seeds, Huddersfield FREE Join us for the launch of the 2019 Grist collection, with a theme of ‘Protest’. Entirely supported by the University of Huddersfield, Grist publishes anthologies of the best new writing from around the world in English, commissioning established writers and poets to appear alongside emerging voices chosen through competition. Book your tickets here

Huddersfield Literature Festival 2019 launch – Larkinland 20 ^th March, 6pm at Heritage Quay, University of Huddersfield FREE Join us for the launch of the 2019 Festival, including: 6pm Larkin and Hughes: Poets and Rivals Yorkshire poets Philip Larkin and Ted Hughes had very different personalities and ideas about poetry, leading to a long-standing and often hilarious rivalry. Launching tonight and ru nning to 21 July, this special exhibition has been curated by English Literature & Creative Writing students at the University of Huddersfield, in partnership with the Philip Larkin Society and Hull History Centre. 6.30pm HLF2019 intro & Larkinland with Jonathan Tulloch Find out ab out our forthcoming Festival events and enjoy a captivating performance by Jonathan Tulloch, inspired by his acclaimed novel, Larkinland , set in the world of Philip Larkin’s poems. “Full of wit, smart observation and, yes, Philip Larkin.” The TLS. Book your tickets here

Huddersfield in 50 Buildings with Christopher Marsden 27 ^th March, 6pm at Huddersfield Library £1.50 - £3.00 Huddersfield in 50 Buildings introduces and celebrates our town’s magnificent built heritage. In this fascinating talk and slide show, author Christopher Marsden discusses the joys and challenges of exploring the history of the town through its existing buildings. How can we understand local industries, politics and faiths? How is civic, educational and commercial development expressed? You may think you know Huddersfield – through Andrew Caveney’s photographs and his own research, Christopher will shine a new light on the town, its surprises and delights. Book your tickets here

Poetry Slam 30 ^th March, 8pm – 10pm, Small Seeds, Huddersfield £3.00 - £5.00 If you know what a slam is, then you know what’s in store. If you don’t, then expect to be entertained, moved, lifted and transported by competitive poetry, as 10 amazing poets bring you everything in their arsenal to be crowned the HLF2019 Slam Champ. Hosted by spoken word artist Rose Condo. The winner will be awarded £50 cash, plus a performance slot at our HLF2020 Poetry Slam, plus a mini-tour with slots for at least three other performance poetry events (details to be announced at the Slam). Book your tickets here

Or perhaps you just want to sit back and relax:

Poetry and Wine 23 ^rd March, 6pm at Kwas, Huddersfield £7.00 An exclusive event for 20 guests (advance booking recommended). Bring along your favourite poem on the Festival theme of ‘Memory’, a selection of which will be performed live, and enjoy a glass of wine at Huddersfield’s intimate new wine bar, Kwas. Ticket price includes one glass of wine. Book your tickets here

Anxiety Free with Sam Owen 23 ^rd March, 3pm, The Media Centre, Huddersfield £3.00 - £5.00 An inspirational talk by relationship, wellbeing and life coach Sam Owen, author of Anxiety Free: How to Trust Yourself and Feel Calm. Using her tried and tested three-pillar system – identify the cause, identify the solutions, take thoughtful action – Sam presents a step-by-step guide to finding the calm and positivity that you deserve. Book your tickets here

Alan Johnson: In My Life 26 ^th March, 6:30pm, Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre, University of Huddersfield £5.00 - £7.00 Politician turned award-winning author Alan Johnson talks about his lifelong passion for music. His latest entertaining memoir explores the musical soundtrack to his life, from listening to Bing Crosby on the radio as a small child living in condemned housing in London in the 1950s, to singers such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen – not to forget his beloved Beatles. The event will include a live performance of Beatles songs by musician Tom George: https://tomgeorgearts.wordpress.com/ Book your tickets here

We hope you enjoy this year's HILF!

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