Writing on the Wall (WoW), Liverpool's longest running creative writing festival WoWFEST is in its 23rd year and returns in May.
WoWFEST: Class of 23 is an exploration and celebration of class in all its diversity and runs from May 2 - May 31 in venues across the city. It sees writers, artists and social commentators explore ways which class shapes our perceptions, experiences, opportunities and culture.
They’ll delve into the impact of race, gender and sexual orientation on class and examine how literature addresses or reinforces class inequality, and ask the question; "How do we get to a more equitable society?"
READ MORE: New 'first of its kind' festival coming to Liverpool city centre
Co-director of Wow Madeline Heneghan told the ECHO: Our mission for WoWFEST is to ignite a revolution of ideas and action. We’re bringing together a diverse range of voices to tackle the pressing issue of class inequality and explore how creativity can be a powerful tool for change.
"Class has always been central to our work and our festival. Now more than ever, it’s time to stand up and say, class matters.”
Mike Morris, co-director of WoW added: "WoWFEST is the place to be for emerging writers. WoW is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the best emerging talent from Liverpool and beyond.
"Class of 23 continues that tradition, offering a high profile platform that proudly supports local artists and writers. We take pride in the phenomenal success of talents such as Amina Atiq, Ashleigh Nugent, Blue Saint, and Deborah Morgan who got their start in WoW projects like Pulp Idol, Liverpool's Young Writers and Write to Work.
"They’re now headlining and performing at this year's festival. Join with us and be a part of this incredible celebration of creativity and talent".
WoWFEST will include celebrated creatives such as; Michael Rosen, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Lowkey, Shami Chakrabarti, Joelle Taylor, Gary Younge, Kit De Waal, She Drew The Gun, Ukrainian Poets and many more.
WoW believes in creativity, community, diversity, artistic excellence and social and economic justice. They celebrate and inspire creativity in all its forms through inquiry, debate, performance and publishing.
Proud to be launching his book at this year's festival, writer Ashleigh Nugent said: "I made the finals of WoW's Pulp Idol in 2013. That’s where I met Clare Coombes who runs Liverpool Literary Agency, and is now my agent.
“I was due to launch the self-published version of LOCKS at WoWFEST 2020, then lockdown happened. I’ve since been on an incredible journey to a deal with Picador and a launch at WoWFEST 2023. What an adventure.
“This year the topic is class and identity and LOCKS is all about the nuances of identity, not fitting in anywhere, not feeling fully integrated into any class or race. There is a power that comes from being different, because when you don't fit in anywhere, you have to fit in everywhere”.
WoW recognises some people may struggle to afford full price tickets. For those who wish to attend events, but can't afford to, they should email in confidence: info@writingonthewall.org.uk
For further information on tickets please visit the WoW website HERE
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