Smithdown Litfest 2023

Big names from the worlds of television and books are coming to Liverpool this September for the hugely popular literary festival, The Smithdown Litfest, now in its seventh year.

This year’s special guest appearances include TV legend Chris Tarrant; Tony Schumacher – creator/writer of BBC1’s The Responder; and Lucinda Hawksley talking about her great great great grandfather – Charles Dickens.

There’s also an evening with Brookside and Grange Hill favourite George Christopher, fascinating facts and fun anecdotes from your favourite TV quiz shows with former TV producer Tony Nicholson (author of Sir Ken Dodd’s biography), a pavement plant workshop, and a pub quiz with a difference – winners of the Smithdown Litfest Great Big Quiz at Black Cat Bar and Bottle Shop will go on to the Saturday grand final when the quiz master is none other than Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’s Chris Tarrant!

There are events for children too. Dead Ink Books and So Curious, both on Smithdown Road, are hosting local author Jude Lennon for some storytelling sessions. Meanwhile, children’s author Susan Brownrigg will be visiting St Clare’s Catholic Primary School.

The Litfest takes place from Sunday 17th to Saturday 23rd September in these popular venues: Sefton Park Palm House, Ullet Road Unitarian Church, Toxteth Library, Dead Ink Books, St Barnabas Penny Lane, So Curious and the Black Cat Bar and Bottle Shop.

This year the Smithdown Litfest is supported by the Research Institute for Literature and Cultural History, Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool City Council.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Smithdown in Bloom. The funds will be used to buy more planters and plants, to be situated on Smithdown Road, and street corners. This volunteer community project launched earlier this year and the first planters are already installed on Smithdown Road.

Ian Skillicorn, founder and organiser of the Litfest says:

“We’re delighted to welcome these fantastic guests to Liverpool. Come along to enjoy our special events and at the same time you’ll be supporting the ongoing transformation of Smithdown Road!”

Smithdown Litfest patron, crime author Margaret Murphy says:

“The Smithdown Litfest is for those who are passionate about books and those who are just starting on their journey as readers, it is for proud locals, and for visitors exploring our special corner of south Liverpool. So get inspired, have fun, bring your friends.”

Tickets are available online from www.smithdownlitfest.com and on Eventbrite, and in person (card or cash) by calling in to Smithdown Social Arts Hub, 455 Smithdown Road (midday to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday).