Expand Your Mind - Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival, 24 - 26 October 2014

Tickets and full line up at http://www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk

The programme includes talks by dramatist and composer Willy Russell , writer Jackie Kay , television presenter Bill Turnbull , a gig by X Factor singer/songwriter Lucy Spraggan and a performance from Manchester International Roots Orchestra. 

Under the theme 'expand your mind', the programme covers workshops, music, readings, children's shows, debates, talks and more from other guests including DJ Liz Kershaw, poet Ian McMillan , Coronation Street actress Jane Danson , comedian Dave Spikey, poet Longfella, 2014 MOBO nominated rap artist Ghetts, Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley and writer Sara Crowe .

There'll be the chance to meet multi-award winning author Alan Gibbons , novelists Chrissie Manby and Rosie Garland and musician Kala Sangam .

There's a programme of events for children and even a Rochdale Ghost Walk on the Sunday evening.

The festival is 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 in the 1950s. 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:

"Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival promises to dazzle, entertain and educate audiences young and old.  I'm excited to see this event return, once again with a fantastic line up.  Annie and Frank would have been proud to see people of all ages coming to their beloved hometown to enjoy the festival."

For festival updates on Twitter connect with @RochdaleLitFest

The festival is organised by Rochdale Borough Council, funded by the Maskew Bequest.

Photographs:  

Available on request including photos from the festival programme launch and all the acts appearing.