Expand your mind at Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival

Comedian Dom Joly

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Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival returns next month, covering music, readings, children’s shows, interviews, comedy, talks and more, from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October with over 30 events.

You can book tickets and view the full line up at www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk

The programme includes talks by actress Helen Lederer, playwright Bonnie Greer OBE, comedian Dom Joly and author Jonathan Harvey.

Other guests include DJ Andy Kershaw, author/poet Gervase Phinn, ‘Emmerdale’ star and photographer Bill Ward, the Poet Laureate Dame Carol Ann Duffy, television historian David Starkey CBE and poet Lemn Sissay.

There’s a full programme of free events for children and families themed ‘Pirate Adventures’ – pick up the programme from your local library.

The festival celebrates and promotes the Maskew Collection of classic literature and philosophy at Rochdale Library, encouraging people to engage in thought and philosophy. It’s due to the generosity of Annie and Frank Maskew, a Rochdale couple who shared a passion for reading and thinking, who originally met in Rochdale Library. They left a sum of money to be used on resources and events related to literature, and philosophy to ensure classic works are available for future generations.

Rochdale Borough Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “One thing I can promise all visitors is that you will discover something you didn't know before. Once again the festival brings together award-winning authors, poets and more to challenge and refresh our sense of the world. We have another fantastic programme and I think Annie and Frank would have been proud to see people of all ages coming to their beloved hometown to enjoy the festival.”

The festival is organised by Rochdale Borough Council, funded by the Maskew Collection with support from Bright Books, the Local Education Partnership, JGM Agency and Hopwood Hall College.