The festival is delighted to welcome Natalie Haynes, acclaimed author of A Thousand Ships and Pandora’s Jar, to discuss her powerful new book No Friend to This House - a luminous retelling of the myth of Medea and her turbulent relationship with Jason.
To celebrate the recent publication of the companion book to the acclaimed documentary Children Of The Wicker Man, Wolverhampton Literature Festival is excited to invite Justin Hardy and Chris Nunn for a documentary screening and Q&A.
Where there are friends there are secrets: Wolverhampton Literature Festival is delighted to present two of the UK’s top thriller writers to discuss their latest works. Wolverhampton’s own Mark Edwards will be welcoming us to dinner where a twisting psychological drama between erstwhile graduates is about to open (The Wasp Trap). TM Logan will be bringing a group of friends renting a converted farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales, who have little idea that this one weekend may change the course of their lives forever (The Weekend). Expect an event full of festering secrets, blackmail and tragedy. Maybe by the end, you will be left to question - could some of your best friends be psychopaths?
Arena Theatre welcomes Stuart Maconie who will be speaking about the Beatles. Everyone knows a Beatles tune, but their story goes beyond the omnipresent songs and iconic albums. The Beatles narrative has both shaped and reflected the country we live in today. Four lads from Liverpool have taken a seat alongside Shakespeare as one of our key cultural exports to the world, a world they changed and re-made in their own image in a blaze of creativity. But these four distinct personalities changed the world not in isolation but with more than a little help from their friends.
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: "With more than 90 events happening across Wolverhampton, 2026’s Literature Festival truly has something for everyone – whether you’re inspired by poetry, intrigued by new fiction or seeking family-friendly entertainment.
“This is a city-wide celebration of creativity, culture and connection, where stories take centre stage and voices from every background are heard. It’s a Festival that’s vibrant, inclusive, and brimming with inspiration. I encourage everyone to take part and secure their tickets."
Festival dates: Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February 2026, with pre-Festival events starting on Saturday 31 January.
Check out the full line up and get your tickets at Wolverhampton Art Gallery Box Office* or via our website *For events held at Arena Theatre or Wolverhampton Art Centre, please use the respective venue’s box office.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery is free to visit Monday to Saturday (10.30am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am to 4pm). Glaze café is open Monday to Saturday (10.30am to 4pm) and Sunday (11am to 3.30pm). For more information visit Wolverhampton Arts and Culture
