Imagination is the essence of Christmas. From imagining the sound of sleigh bells on the roof, to imagining that Lynne from accounts definitely fancies you at the office party; in bleakest midwinter, Christmas offers us the chance to put reality on the back burner for a while.
In the suitably Dickensian setting of a dimly lit 19th century library, five authors gathered to read, in intimate, hushed tones, the kind of festive make-believe to make the hairs on your neck stand to attention, and probably leave you sleeping with the lights on.
This was the launch of The Longest Night: Five Curious Tales. The book is a collaborative project, which aims to go beyond the mere written word – attempting, rather, to encapsulate the peculiar ‘stories by candlelight’ experience guaranteed to cover you in goosebumps. In doing so, the contributors consciously evoke that long tradition of eerie Yuletide storytelling practised and perfected by Dickens himself and, more specifically, the great M. R. James.
 |
| Left to right: Illustrator Beth Ward, Authors, Tom Fletcher, Emma Jane Unsworth, Alison Moore, Jenn Ashworth and Richard Hirst. |
“Christmas is a time for taking stock. We look back on the year and we reflect on what’s happened to us. It really is a time for being introspective and I think a ghost story does that as well – quite literally in the case of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The ghost as a figure, of course, is a reminder of the past – a living memory. It puts us back in touch with the past.
“Yuletide was traditionally the time of year when supernatural stories were told. They are meant to be shared with those around us … they are a form of comfortable discomfort, if you like, because you can live them vicariously, but also at a distance and not in immediate danger.”
 |
| Host, Dr Xavier Aldana Reyes, with some of Beth Ward’s original artwork. |
 |
| Richard Hirst and Dr Xavier Aldana Reyes following a successful evening. |
“The competition itself was helpful in that it was quite a challenge, in terms of trying to tailor your material to fit the brief. But I think it’s good to have something which requires you to edit and pare down your work, to think more and more about what you are writing and how you are writing it. It really makes you think about how to structure fiction.”
Richard Hirst’s cadaverous contribution Drums At Cullen cleverly combines humour and Poe-esque suspense, and is perhaps the most graphically macabre offering here. Asked if this was a conscious effort on his part, he responds,
Featured image: WendyWei.pexels With the most anticipated night of the year right around the corner, the big question is looming: where are you going to celebrate it? Whether you dread it or count down the days, are new to the Manchester nightlife scene or are a regular, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve plans sorted….
By Georgia Robinson Featured image and gallery: Ruby Sharp Get one step ahead of your 2025 aesthetic and plan your outfits for the new year with this guide to all the trends we expect to see next year. Why not jazz up your wardrobe with trending accessories or browse Depop and Vinted for a pre-loved…
Featured image and gallery: Kaitlyn Brockley The rumble of trains passing through Piccadilly station, the hollers of touts (“tickets, buy or sell?”) and security (“have your IDs ready”), and the excitable chatter of gig-goers all audibly backdrop the outskirts of Manchester’s Mayfield Depot this dark, damp evening. Leaving the outside chill and travelling along the…
Featured image and gallery: Leo Woollison Crook Angela Cheveau and Kate Carne were crowned winners of the 2024 QuietManDave Prize on Friday. The short-form writing prize is held biennially to honour the memory of the much-loved and well-known Manchester writer and critic Dave Murray, who passed away in 2019. The writers were each awarded £1000…
Leave a reply