Every May, WoWFEST turns Liverpool City Region into a frontline for ideas, where words challenge power, spark resistance and refuse to stay quiet.
From stirring performances and big political conversations to intimate launches and family friendly storytelling, WoWFEST brings together writers, artists and audiences who believe words still matter. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying longer, these events invite you to step inside urgent conversations and leave inspired.
Comma Press Presents The Monster, Capital
Wednesday 6 May, 7pm, The Black E, Liverpool
A genre bending literary event that imagines capitalism itself as something eerie, unsettling and monstrous. Drawing on horror, satire and sharp political insight, this bold opening night conversation sets the tone for a festival unafraid to interrogate the systems shaping everyday life.
Book Launch, Rhythms by Tony Wailey
Tuesday 12 May, 7pm, Quaker Meeting House Liverpool
Liverpool’s past and present flow through this evocative book launch, where Tony Wailey weaves family stories, maritime history and the pulse of a changing port city. A warm, reflective evening rooted in memory, movement and place.
Cultural Fallout, Writing Chornobyl
Tuesday 12 May, 6pm to 7.30pm, Online
Marking forty years since the Chornobyl disaster, this moving online event brings together fiction, poetry and memoir. Writers reflect on displacement, ecological grief and resilience, offering thoughtful testimony that lingers long after the discussion ends.
Against All Odds, Class and Resistance in the Arts
Wednesday 13 May, 6pm, The Black E, Liverpool
A passionate discussion on creativity, class and survival in the arts. Acclaimed artists and writers explore barriers, breakthroughs and what it takes to keep creating work that speaks truth in an unequal cultural landscape.
Joelle Taylor, Maryville
Thursday 14 May, 8pm, The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
One of WoWFEST’s most anticipated live moments. Joelle Taylor brings her powerful new poetry collection to the stage in a searing performance that traces fifty years of lesbian counterculture through language, sound and striking visuals.
Writer's Bloc Sharing Event
Friday 15 May, 12pm, Toxteth Library, Liverpool
Local voices take centre stage as Writer’s Bloc writers share brand new work inspired by the festival theme. Welcoming, intimate and rooted in community, this event celebrates Liverpool City Region’s grassroots creativity.
Rebecca Solnit, The Beginning Comes After The End
Tuesday 19 May, 7pm, Online
Join internationally acclaimed writer and activist Rebecca Solnit for a galvanising conversation on hope, backlash and collective action. Drawing on decades of cultural commentary, she offers clarity and perspective for uncertain times.
A Reason to Sing, The Popular Song Movement of 70s Chile
Tuesday 19 May, 6.30pm, Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool
Artist Francisco Carrasco blends live music, history and personal memory to explore Chile’s revolutionary Nueva Canción movement. An emotionally rich evening where song becomes a powerful act of resistance and remembrance.
Juno Dawson, Survival Show
Wednesday 20 May, 7pm, Online
Bestselling author Juno Dawson discusses her explosive new dystopian novel set inside the dark heart of reality television. Expect sharp insights into power, exploitation and why political storytelling feels more urgent than ever.
“Sumud Versus The Sword, Solidarity, Direct Action and Palestinian Liberation
Wednesday 20 May, 7pm, The Caribbean Centre, Liverpool
A powerful in person discussion with Palestinian organisers and international activists examining solidarity, resistance and direct action. Firsthand experiences and global perspectives drive an urgent, thought-provoking conversation.
Democracy on Trial with Chris Nineham, Basa Ghalayni and Stephen Kapos
Thursday 21 May, 7pm
An eye-opening discussion on the state of democratic rights in Britain. Campaigners and witnesses examine protest, policing and legal pressure, asking what defending freedom now really takes.
Black Women Speak Volumes
Tuesday 26 May, 7pm, The Women’s Organisation, Liverpool
A celebratory evening centring the voices of Black women whose lives and work have shaped Britain’s cultural landscape. Expect testimony, dialogue and powerful reflections across generations.
Launch of Buckled, A Play by Helen Jeffery
Wednesday 27 May, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Unity Theatre Bar, Liverpool
Join playwright Helen Jeffery for the launch of Buckled, a darkly funny and deeply human play exploring alcohol dependency and the quiet pressures of a drink focused culture. An intimate event featuring script extracts, conversation and special discounted copies on the night.
Children's Storytelling at The Palm House
Wednesday 27 May, 11am to 12.30pm, The Palm House, Sefton Park, Liverpool
A joyful half term event led by much loved storytellers Claire Weetman, Jude Lennon and Patrick Graham. Lively tales and creative expression spark young imaginations in one of Liverpool’s most beautiful settings, perfect for families seeking culture and fun.
Desert Island Dissent with Linton Kwesi Johnson
Thursday 28 May, 7pm, British Music Experience, Cunard Building, Liverpool
Legendary poet and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson explores the music, poetry and political works that shaped his life and voice. An evening of reflection, performance and powerful conversation about culture as resistance.
An Evening with Colm Toibin
Sunday 31 May, 7pm, The Black E, Liverpool
One of the most celebrated writers of our time joins Professor Frank Shovlin for an in conversation event exploring fiction, exile, memory and belonging. A rare opportunity to hear from a literary master in an intimate setting.
From landmark venues to grassroots spaces, WoWFEST invites visitors to experience Liverpool City Region through words that challenge, connect and inspire.
Discover the full programme and plan your visit on the WoWFEST website HERE.