Inaugural literary arts festival coming to Sutton Coldfield
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall has announced its inaugural Literary Arts Festival - taking place on 12 and 13 September 2026.
The festival, the first of its kind in Sutton Coldfield, will bring together more than 20 poets, authors, performers and creatives for a free weekend of talks, workshops, readings and live performances celebrating the literary and creative arts.
The festival's free daytime programme spans two full days and includes something for all interests and level of experience - from complete beginners to seasoned writers and lifelong book lovers.
Highlights include a live TV theme music composition workshop with David Lowe, the acclaimed composer behind the BBC News theme, alongside poetry readings, comedy writing workshops, nature writing, memoir writing, ghost story talks, fairytale writing for young people and much more.
Notable names on the programme include Tracy King (pictured), critically acclaimed memoirist and co-author of The Cost of Trust - the story of rogue Birmingham surgeon Ian Paterson - alongside Birmingham-based poet Saida Chowdhury, debut novelist and local author Anna Byk, and speculative fiction author A.R. Lerwill, whose talk explores the role of literature in providing healthy role models for young men.
Birmingham author and editor Kasim Ali will appear in conversation about his latest novel Who Will Remain - a blistering story set in Birmingham's Alum Rock neighbourhood - and award-winning comedy writer Rach Sambrooks, Runner Up in the 2025 Comedy Women in Print Prize, will lead a comedy writing workshop.
Several sessions will also be hosted at Harvey Norman’s Sutton Coldfield store in the Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, as part of the festival's partnership with the global retail brand - one of the festival's key sponsors.
On Saturday 12 September, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall will host a ticketed Evening Show - a variety showcase featuring a live TV theme music composition performance by David Lowe, vibrant bhangra dancing and a live jazz quintet.
Evening Show tickets are priced at £10 per adult and £5 for under 16s.
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is a charity-run heritage venue operated by The Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust, currently undergoing a major restoration project to preserve the building for future generations.
Alex Norman, marketing executive and festival organiser at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, said: “Sutton Coldfield’s arts and creative scene is full of voices and talent that deserve a stage.
“We want this festival to be for the community, to be open to all, and accessible to all. Whether you have zero writing experience, you’re an aspiring writer, or already established in the industry, we welcome you to celebrate Sutton Coldfield’s literary arts scene.”
All daytime events are free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to reserve their place in advance as sessions are limited.
The full programme and free reservations are available online.
