From Page to Stage: 20 years of Manchester Literature Festival
Schedule
Mon Mar 30 2026 at 04:00 pm to 05:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Samuel Alexander Building | Manchester, EN
About this Event
As part of the celebrations, we are pleased to host this stunning collection of portraits by photographers Jon Parker Lee, Chris Bull, Chris Payne, Matthew Priestley and Ed Swinden in the Samuel Alexander Glass Corridor.
This collection of intimate photos charts the Festival’s journey from its early days to becoming one of the UK’s most distinctive literary events. Through striking portraits, we revisit the unforgettable moments and remarkable voices that have shaped the Festival – from award-winning novelists and poets, to leading songwriters and musicians, artists, comedians, children’s writers, activists and change-makers.
As official Higher Education Partner to the Festival, the University is fortunate to have co-curated many events as part of Manchester Literature Festival, welcoming some of the world’s greatest writers to Manchester, UNESCO City of Literature. 'From Page to Stage' captures international authors Margaret Atwood, Armistead Maupin, Celeste Ng, Elif Shafak, Jo Nesbo and Asako Yuzuki rubbing shoulders with Manchester academics, including Jeanette Winterson, Maxine Peake, Sarah Hall and Lemn Sissay. It also documents some of the city’s most treasured venues and landmarks.
This event is an opportunity to view the exhibition and to hear more about the University's partnership with Manchester Literature Festival, as official Higher Education Partner. You will also be treated to a special poetry reading by former University of Manchester Chancellor and award-winning poet, Lemn Sissay OBE.
Refreshments will be available on arrvial from 4pm.
Accessibility
We want to make the event a positive experience for all participants. If you have particular access needs, please let us know in advance by providing details of any accessibility needs when registering for your ticket or by emailing us at [email protected].
About Creative Manchester
Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: Creative Manchester.
Register here to receive regular updates on upcoming Creative Manchester news, events and funding opportunities. You can also connect with Creative Manchester via our Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Agenda
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Exhibition viewing and refreshments
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Short speeches and poetry reading by Lemn Sissay OBE
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Exhibition viewing and networking
Where is it happening?
Samuel Alexander Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00


















