Manchester Writing: Patrick Marnham at the Burgess Foundation
Thursday 3rd December, 7pm | Book here
Burgess Foundation, Chorlton Mill

Manchester Writing is a new series designed to explore the techniques authors use and choices they make when writing, and debate issues arising from their work. Patrick will be reading from and talking about his work and in conversation answering questions from the audience. The evening will open with a short reading from original fiction by students of the Manchester Writing School. Drinks will be available to purchase from the bar, and there’ll be a special Blackwell’s bookstall, with signing after the event.

Iran and the West: Where do we go from here?
Wednesday 9th December, 12noon – 5pm | Book here
Geoffrey Manton Building

Convened by Steve Hurst

On 14 July 2015, after nine years of off and on negotiations, the international community and Iran finally reached a resolution to their dispute over the nature and legitimacy of the Iranian nuclear programme. This outcome, which many doubted would ever occur, may mark the start of a new era of improved relations with Iran and that country’s reintegration into the international state system, but it may equally prove to be a false dawn given the continuing levels of distrust on both sides and the many ways in which the agreement could unravel. This symposium examines this issue from two perspectives. In the first session we ask ‘how did we get here?’ What led to the impasse of the past decade? Why have relations between the West and Iran been so profoundly hostile? Why did it prove so difficult to resolve the stand-off over Iran’s nuclear programme? And how was a resolution finally found? In the second session we ask ‘where do we go from here?’ Will this agreement prove to be a turning point in relations between Iran and the West? What can be done to help ensure that that is the case? And what obstacles stand in the way?

Book Launch: A New Manchester Alphabet
Thursday 10th December, 5pm – 7pm | Book here
Manchester Art Gallery

In 1906 Roger Oldham, a member of the Manchester Society of Architects, wrote and illustrated a small booklet called ‘A Manchester Alphabet’. The Alphabet takes us on a journey around Edwardian Manchester from Ancoats to the (Bellevue) Zoo. Fast forward to 2014, and a copy of the booklet is found on the shelves at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Special Collections. Inspired by its humour and charm, a project began to update Oldham’s original Alphabet.

‘A New Manchester Alphabet’ is a snapshot of Manchester in 2015: illustrated by students from the Manchester School of Art and written by students from The Manchester Writing School. This collaboration takes us on a brand new journey: from Afflecks, via New Islington, to Ziferblat. This special event to launch the new book is being held at Manchester Art Gallery which featured in Roger Oldham’s original Alphabet (P for Picture Gallery). Join us for an evening of festive cheer featuring readings from both Alphabets and catch a rare glimpse of Roger Oldham’s original hand-coloured illustrations.

Carol Ann Duffy and Friends at the Royal Exchange Theatre: Christmas special with LiTTLe MaCHiNe
Monday 14th December, 7pm | Book here
Royal Exchange Theatre

Special guests LiTTLe MaCHiNe present their new show “A Dark Rose for Christmas”

Following the unprecedented success of past seasons, Dame Carol Ann Duffy returns to host her hugely popular poetry and music nights in the relaxed and atmospheric Royal Exchange Studio Theatre. Each evening sees Manchester’s much-loved Poet Laureate introduce emerging and established writers: readings from the Manchester Writing School’s best new poets led by House Poet Liz Venn, and a performance by a special guest star of national stature. There’s a chance to meet and mingle with the poets and get copies of their books signed during the interval, and music from the house jazz band.