WELCOME
Welcome to the third edition of The Farsley Literature Festival, brought to you by Truman Books and The Old Woollen, along with our friends from, in and around Farsley.
We’ve got some fantastic headline names this year, including acclaimed bestsellers like Ian Rankin (22 Nov), Kate Mosse (2 Nov) and Elly Griffiths (10 Nov), journalist Miranda Sawyer (13 Nov) and the hilarious comedian Shaparak Khorsandi (16 Oct).
There’s also the chance to uncover some of our favourite up-and-coming wordsmiths. Whether it’s nine new authors releasing books this autumn ( Debut Class 2024 , 3 Nov), crime writers like Tom Hindle and Rachel North (14 Nov) or the debut novel from immigration lawyer Tasweef Kahn (5 Nov), you’re sure to find something you’ll want to tell your friends about.
Plus don’t forget to join us for the now legendary Book Lovers’ Quiz (13 Oct) –test your bookish knowledge with this Farsley Lit Favourite!
Throughout the festival you’ll be able to meet your favourite authors, with panels, signings, performances and storytelling. Which events will you be booking?
FAMILY EVENTS
HOW TO FIND A BOOKWORM (THE REAL KIND!)
Join Libellule Theatre on a storytelling adventure into unknown lands. Meet Follifoot, a new and determined Bookworm-ologist and one of the few speakers of the language of bookworms. She is on her quest to find endangered species of this gentle creature. To do this she must travel through places never explored before… Will you join her?
TUES 29 OCT - FARSLEY LIBRARY - 1.30 – 2.30pm. FREE (please book)
STORYTIME
Bring your little ones for a session of stories and songs in kids’ corner at Truman Books. Suitable for under-fives.
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS - TRUMAN BOOKS - 10.30 am . FREE (please book)
STORY AND RHYME TIME
A fun session of sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. EVERY FRIDAY - FARSLEY LIBRARY 1.30 – 2.30 pm . FREE FOR UNDER 5 s (please book)
GALLERY SHOP MUSEUM
THE WELL-DRESSED SPY:
BOND, THE AVENGERS AND SWINGING LONDON
Author Ian Fryer’s new book explores what the well-dressed spy was wearing and why it was so important for Britain’s self-image as London began to swing.
TUE 8 OCT - FARSLEY LIBRARY. Doors 6.15pm. Starts 6.30pm. FREE (please book)
QUANTUM SAUCE: SCIENCE + ART + BEER = MIND EXPANSION
Feat. Caroline Cauchi (Fact V Fiction: The Novelist’s Ethical Dilemma); Lucyl Harrison + Catherine Wynne (Pandemic Pages: Reading Covid Fictions, Memoirs & Poetry); Rhiannon Lawrence-Frances (Who Buys Books? Libraries, Literature & Legacies).
TUE 8 OCT - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. £7
BOOK LOVER’S QUIZ NIGHT WITH GARY WIGGLESWORTH
The author of The Book Lovers’ Quiz Book will be hosting our very own quiz night, which has become a firm favourite of Farsley Lit Fest. Guaranteed fun and great prizes to be won!
SUN 13 OCT - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 6pm. Starts 7pm. £12
IN CONVERSATION WITH CECELIA AHERN
Contemporary fiction powerhouse Cecelia Ahern ( Roar, PS I Love You, Where Rainbows End ) introduces her new novel, Into The Storm MON 14 OCT - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. Book + Ticket £20. Ticket Only £15
SHAPARAK KHORSANDI: SCATTERBRAIN
Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in her funny and moving memoir, one of Britain’s most beloved stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it’s cluttered in there).
WED 16 OCT - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. £17
SJ BRADLEY: MAPS OF IMAGINARY TOWNS
Wakefield writer SJ Bradley introduces her new short story collection, which illuminates the quiet heroism pulsing through seemingly ordinary lives. Her first novel, Brick Mother, and her second, Guest, are both published by Dead Ink.
THU 17 OCT - TRUMAN BOOKS. Doors 6.30pm. Starts 6.45pm. £8
THE BRAND POWER MANIFESTO: BRANDING BRILLIANCE FOR FEMALE ENTREPENEURS
Are you a female entrepreneur aiming to reach your highest potential? Then this is for you! Abigail & Chloe Baldwin - dynamic twin sisters and successful business owners - unveil a unique roadmap to building a strong personal brand.
TUE 22 OCT - TRUMAN BOOKS. Doors 6.30pm. Starts 6.45pm. £8
WRITERS’ OPEN MIC NIGHT
A relaxed evening celebrating and sharing local writing. Whether you are a budding poet, novelist or experienced published writer, we want to hear from you. Writers are invited to read a 5 minute taster of their work
WED 23 OCT - FARSLEY LIBRARY. 6.30 – 8.30pm. FREE (please book)
AN EVENING WITH PETE BROWN
Pete Brown is one of Britain’s most celebrated food and drink writers. A four-time British Beer Writer of the Year, Pete blends social history, cultural commentary and travel writing with the warmth and wit of a great pub conversation.
THU 24 OCT - AMITY BREW Co. Doors 7pm. Starts 7.30pm.
£12 including a schooner of beer
CHARLOTTE RUSSELL: WRITING FOR WELLNESS
Character-driven, story based journaling session to boost self-worth. For beginners or regular writers, this event will not only demonstrate the benefits of journaling, but leave you feeling empowered, restored and confident.
MON 28 OCT - TRUMAN BOOKS. Doors 6.15pm. Starts 6.30pm. £15
EVELYN HOLLOW
An evening with the paranormal psychologist and expert for TV shows and podcasts including Uncanny , The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm . She introduces her new book, ATLAS OF PARANORMAL PLACES .
TUE 29 OCT - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Show 8pm. £7.50
Nunkie Theatre Presents: CASTING THE RUNES
CANDLE-LIT GHOST STORIES FOR HALLOWEEN
Casting The Runes and The Residence at Whitminster : two spine-chillers by M.R. James performed by Robert Lloyd Parry (BBC2’s MR James: Ghost Writer documentary).
WED 30 OCT - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. £13.50
AN AFTERNOON WITH KATE MOSSE
The Award-Winning historical novelist talks about new book THE MAP OF BONES, sequel to the bestselling The Ghost Ship. Her books have sold over 5 million copies and been published in more than 40 countries.
SAT 2 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 12noon. Starts 1pm.
Book + Ticket £25. Ticket only £14
ANNA
MURPHY:
DESTINATION FABULOUS
Anna Murphy, Fashion Director of The Times, introduces Destination Fabulous, her inspirational and invigorating guide to embracing your age and celebrating the wisdom and inner beauty that comes with it.
SUN 3 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 1pm. Starts 2pm.
Book + Ticket £16. Ticket only £12
DEBUT CLASS OF 2024
Nine of the most exciting debut authors of 2024 share with us their paths to publication, including Jennie Godfrey, Sarah Brooks, Amy Twigg, Ania Card, Jessica Bull, Flora Carr, Emily Howes, Sarah Marsh and LJ Shepherd
SUN 3 NOV - ST JOHN’S CHURCH. Doors 4.30pm. Starts 5pm. £15
IN CONVERSATION WITH TAWSEEF KHAN
Qualified immigration solicitor Tawseef Khan discusses his latest contemporary fiction novel, Determination . His debut non-fiction book Muslim, Actually was published by Atlantic in 2021.
TUE 5 NOV - TRUMAN BOOKS. Doors 6.30pm. Starts 6.45pm. £8
BEDSIT LAND – THE STRANGE WORLDS OF SOFT CELL
Music journalist, DJ & author Patrick Clarke talks about his latest release, one of the most in-depth and entertaining accounts of the band ever written, in conversation with John Robb (LouderThanWar.Com)
WED 6 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. Book + Ticket £18. Ticket Only: £12
ACTS OF CREATION:
ON ART AND MOTHERHOOD WITH HETTIE
JUDAH
Acts of Creation addresses the mother-shaped hole in art history. Hettie Judah is a writer and art critic, regularly contributing to The Guardian, Apollo, Frieze and Times Literary Supplement.
THU 7 NOV - SUNNY BANK MILLS GALLERY. 6.30pm. £30/£15
CRIME NIGHT - SUN 10 NOV 3 SESSIONS. £14 FOR 1 SESSION, £24 FOR 2 SESSION, £30 FOR 3 SESSIONS
COSY CRIME
Featuring Josie Lloyd ( Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency ), JM Hall ( A Spoonful of Murder ) and Antony Johnston ( The Dog Sitter Detective ) .
OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 2pm. Starts 3pm.
CREATING KICK-ASS FEMALE PROTAGONISTS
Take a dive into the grittier side of crime writing, exploring how Saima Mir ( The Khan ) and Lesley McEvoy ( The Killing Song ) created their tough, complex lead characters.
OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 4.30pm. Starts 5pm.
ELLY GRIFFITHS
Best-selling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway and Brighton Mystery series Elly Griffiths joins us to discuss her first collection of short stories, which sees the return of some familiar characters.
OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 6.30pm. Starts 7pm.
GUY SHRUBSOLE:
THE LIE OF THE LAND – WHO REALLY CARES FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE?
Best-selling writer and environmental campaigner Guy Shrubsole , in conversation with musician and activist Boff Whalley ( Chumbawamba ).
MON 11 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm.
Book + Ticket £22. Ticket Only £14
CHRIS NICKSON: THEM WITHOUT PAIN
Leeds author Chris Nickson discusses his new novel Them Without Pain , the sixth instalment of the Simon Westow mysteries - inspired by the story of Arthur Mangey, a goldsmith who made the Leeds Mace in 1696 and was hanged for treason two years later.
TUE 12 NOV - FARSLEY LIBRARY. Doors 6.15pm. 6.30pm. FREE (please book)
BEN AARONOVITCH
Sunday Times best-selling author Ben Aaronovitch ( Doctor Who ) makes a return visit to The Old Woollen with the newest book in his Rivers of London series, THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING .
TUE 12 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. £6.50
MIRANDA SAWYER: UNCOMMON PEOPLE – BRITPOP AND BEYOND IN 20 SONGS
The award-winning pop writer shares the vivid stories behind 20 key songs of the 90s AND the bands that made them.
WED 13 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 7pm. Starts 8pm. Book + Ticket £25. Ticket Only £15
DESTINATION THRILLER: TOM HINDLE AND RACHEL NORTH IN CONVERSATION WITH JM HALL
Cosy crime writer Jonathan Hall ( A Spoonful of Murder ) chairs a discussion with Tom Hindle ( Murder On Lake Garda ) and Rachel North ( Happily Never After ). They explore the lure of a glamorous location for thriller authors. THU 14 NOV - TRUMAN BOOKS. Doors 6.30pm. Starts 6.45pm. £8
ADRIAN TIERNEY-JONES
The Beer Writer of the Year 2017 introduces his new book, A Pub For All Seasons: A Yearlong Journey in Search of the Perfect British Local .
THU 21 NOV - AMITY BREW Co. Doors 7pm. Starts 7.30pm.
£12 including a schooner of beer
IAN RANKIN
Be amongst the first to hear about Midnight and Blue , the brand new John Rebus thriller from the iconic Number One bestseller, and one of the year’s must reads.
FRI 22 NOV - OLD WOOLLEN. Doors 12noon. Starts 12.30pm. Book + Ticket £25. Ticket Only £14
TRUMAN BOOKS 95 Town Street, LS28 5HX - trumanbooks.co.uk /TrumanBooks @TrumanBooksLeeds @TrumanBooks
OLD WOOLLEN Sunny Bank Mills, 83 - 85 Town Street, LS28 5UJ oldwoollen.co.uk /oldwoollen @oldwoollen @oldwoollen
SUNNY BANK MILLS GALLERY 83 - 85 Town Street, LS28 5UJ sunnybankmills.co.uk /sunnybankmillsgallery @sunnybankmills @sunnybankmills
FARSLEY LIBRARY Old Road, LS28 5DH
To book tickets for library events visit: ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents
AMITY BREW Co. 15-16 Festoon Rooms, Sunny Bank Mills, 83-85 Town Street, LS28 5UJ - amitybrew.co / AmityBrewCo @amitybrewco @AmityBrewCo
St. JOHN’S CHURCH New Street, Farsley, LS28 5DJ - stjohnsfarsley.org.uk
