A celebration of some of Britain's most exciting black writers marks the start of Black History Month 2022.
The Gravity Festival, being held in person and online, begins on September 29 and will run until October 2. In person events are at the Mansion House in the idyllic settings of Liverpool's Calderstones Park.
Writers Ashleigh Nugent, Hannah Azieb Pool, Jacqueline Roy, Judith Bryan, Kadija Sesay and Tomiwa Owolade are among the latest names added to the festival line up. They join headline speakers including Bootle-born writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Kit de Waal (My Name is Leon), Lissa Evans (Wed Wabbit) Katherine May (Wintering) and Roosevelt Montas (Rescuing Socrates), as well as BBC1 ‘The Responder’ writer Tony Schumacher.
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Jane Davis, founder and director of The Reader charity, which organises the event, told the ECHO: "I started The Reader to get great books out of the university and into the hands of people who need them, but would not usually come across them. Books helped me find my way into stories which helped me expand my idea of a life. I wanted everyone to have access to the life-making power of reading."
The festival will explore mental health, experience of inner life, books that inspire the writers as well as discussion and debate. There are events for all ages to take part; including poetry and heritage walks.
Kadija Sesay said: "I think the nation is not hearing enough about Liverpool’s Black history, or more recent lived experiences, from the Black community. I hope by having a fantastic focus on Black writers in the festival, writers will come out, meet us, have a chat and be inspired by our books and our words".
Ashleigh Nugent said: "Writing, for me, is a necessity. I’ve recorded my thoughts, feelings and observations on paper as far back as I remember. The written word has always been a companion and confidant.
"Through work I do in prisons, I’ve seen how cathartic writing is for others. It allows us to externalise feelings, materialise our desires and alchemize our adversity. To share this magic with others is always an honour".
Frank Cottrell-Boyce said: "If we’ve learnt one thing in the last few difficult years it's the importance of knowing how to be happy. Nothing helps create the apparatus of happiness within ourselves and our children quite like a quiet read - away from phones, screens and all the anxieties they create. Gravity will be a happy place and will help you build your own happy place".
For booking information visit: www.thereader.org.uk/get-involved/gravity-festival
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