Wolverhampton Literature Festival have announced the full line up of inspiring speakers, performers, and events for 2025.

The festival will be taking place across the city’s arts and culture venues from Friday 31 January to Sunday 2 February, with an exciting programme of literature, poetry, dance, and more.

Kicking off the festivities, wi ll be actor and author Jassa Ahluwalia, presenting his empowering book Both Not Half. Joined by acclaimed writer Sathnam Sanghera, the pair will engage in a powerful conversation about mixed race identity. For over 25 years, Jassa described himself as “half Indian, half English,” navigating a world that questioned his name, language fluency, and cultural identity. His journey to redefine how we talk about mixed identity offers a call to action that is both personal and universal.  

Thursday, 30 January will see Wolverhampton’s own Rob Manuel bring his million follower social media sensation Fesshole to the Newhampton Arts Centre for some of the internet’s naughtiest, funniest, cringiest confessions. There will also be a chance for audiences to bring their own confessions, but don’t worry, what goes on in the room stays in the room …

On Friday 31 January renowned comedian and writer, Al Murray, will bring his passion for history to the festival weekend. In Arnhem: Black Tuesday, he explores the legendary battle of Arnhem, shedding new light on one of history’s heroic failures with his trademark knowledge, wit, and enthusiasm. For music fans, legendary drummer of The Jam, Rick Bucker, will be bringing us a night of memories at the Robin 2, as he shares stories from a career which included 18 consecutive top 40 singles and defined a generation.

Saturday 1 February is packed with an incredible line up. Abi Daré returns to discuss her powerful sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice, continuing her exploration of resilience and empowerment. Activist and speaker Patrick Vernon, joined by collaborator Yansie Rolston, will present their book Black Grief and Healing. This compelling work explores the unique experiences of loss in the Black community and the impact of misunderstood rituals and traditions. Ashley John-Baptiste, TV presenter and broadcaster, shares his moving story of growing up in the British care system. His journey of resilience and self discovery will inspire audiences of all backgrounds. Closing Saturday night, Jordan Stephens - actor, and author and one half of duo Rizzle Kicks - will discuss fame, ADHD, and modern masculinity, offering a deeply personal perspective on mental health and identity.

Meanwhile, Newhampton Arts Centre will host Joe Sellman-Leava and Dylan Howells’ IT’S THE ECONOMY STUPID!, The Fringe First winners will present a funny, captivating and moving play based on the true story of how Joe’s family lost their home and livelihood in the 90s recession, which examines what all of that has to do with the global economy and today’s housing and cost of living crises.

On Sunday 2 February, crime fiction enthusiasts can look forward to Mark Billingham discussing his latest book The Wrong Hands alongside local favourite Mark Edwards. The festival concludes with much loved comedian Shappi Khorsandi, who will present Scatter Brain, a hilarious and heartfelt reflection on her life through the lens of ADHD. Shappi’s journey of self discovery will entertain, enlighten, and resonate with audiences.

The festival is proud to spotlight local poets, performers, and creatives. Highlights include Flexus Dance, performing a special showcase; John Bernard, Coventry Poet Laureate, examining social media's impact on mental health; NeOne The Wonder, celebrating West Midlands lyricism with a unique performance at the Mander Centre; and Kuli Kohli and Simon Fletcher leading workshops and poetry events focused on environmental awareness.

Hosted by Wolverhampton Central Library, this year’s Children’s Festival features Onjali Q. Raúf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, who will introduce her new book, The Boy with the Golden Stamp.

This year, we have also partnered with the Black British Book Festival, to bring you an exciting line up of engaging events for young people. Highlights include books that range from topics like Your Hair and Me and Creating Your Own Superhero.

Get your tickets at wolvesliteraturefestival.co.uk.