The leading music literary festival, Louder Than Words, returns for its 2026 edition to The Innside, Manchester from 13 – 15 November.
It provides a winning combination of in conversations, topical panel discussions, workshops, writing surgeries, live performances, book stalls and opportunities for networking and socialising.
Among the highlights, a number of musicians will be talking about their recent books including Nick Heywood, Clint Boon, Baz Warne (The Stranglers), Jim Lea (Slade), Steve Mason, Pauline Black and John Foxx. Irvine Welsh will be discussing his new novel and Nigel Planer will be in conversation with Christopher Eccleston. Books on subjects including David Bowie, Prefab Sprout, The Beatles, Half Man Half Biscuit, The Sex Pistols, Strawberry Studios and the independent music scenes of Sheffield and Scotland will all have their own events. There will also be a screening of Dave Bush’s film about The Fall touring America in 1993/4.
Panel discussions are always a regular feature of Louder Than Words and this year topics up for discussion include club culture and women in punk. The annual music journalism event will be taking place on Saturday lunchtime and Silent Radio writers will be well represented on the panel. There are opportunities for aspiring writers to develop contacts so do come down and introduce yourselves.
Details of the full programme of events can be found at: What’s On – Louder Than Words Festival
