Smithdown Litfest returns for 2022 with exciting line up

Smithdown Litfest returns this month with a week of appearances from a wide range of local and national names.

The annual literary festival, now in its sixth year, is hosted by venues along the Smithdown Road corridor in South Liverpool, from Toxteth to Allerton.

The 2022 event opens on Thursday, September 22 with an appearance at St Barnabas Church, Penny Lane, from ‘Voice of Anfield’ George Sephton who will talk about his 50 years at the club.

Historian Ken Pye will explore Merseyside Murders and Misdemeanours at Toxteth Library, while the library will also host Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy pick C L Taylor who will talk about thrillers and crime novels.

Former Echo feature writer Paddy Shennan will share stories of the fascinating people he has interviewed at an event at Greenbank Primary School, and there will be a ‘reunion’ of the Corkhill family and more at Archbishop Blanch School to mark the 40th anniversary of Brookside.

The festival concludes with Liverpool Olympic medallist Anyika Onuora who will appear at Sefton Park Palm House to talk about the ups and downs of her stellar career.

And the week also features children’s authors Jude Lennon and Susan Brownrigg taking part in two special events at local schools and a free Poets for Peace event in Greenbank Park.

Festival patron, award-winning crime fiction author Margaret Murphy who was born just off Smithdown Road, says: “The Smithdown Litfest is for those who are passionate about books and those who are just starting on their journey as readers. It’s for proud locals and for visitors exploring our special corner of South Liverpool.

“So get inspired, have fun and bring your friends.”

The Litfest, founded by publisher Ian Skillicorn and run by volunteers, also raises funds for Al-Sabeen Children’s Hospital in Sana’a, Yemen.

Smithdown Litfest 2022 runs from September 22-28 More details HERE