Two Day London Festival
10 - 11 NOVEMBER 2017

Get inspired — literature relevant to our times…
including writers, poets, novelists, translators, philosophers, film-makers, journalists & activists.
We can tell a new story. Stories written – in exclusive new commissions – by passionate writers in response to some of the most challenging news events and distortions of language in living memory. Stories that shape the future by bearing witness to the present.
This is a unique, two-day festival focussed on literature relevant to the issues of our times, bringing together a range of writers including young poets, novelists, translators, philosophers, film-makers, journalists and activists.
Nationality, identity and belonging have become divisive concepts, creating tension and fear, yet they also lie close to the heart of our humanity. In 2017 these concepts have been the common Word Factory threads, weaving together writers with the voice and imagination to unravel art from artifice. Citizen: The New Story is the culmination of that creative process.
What you take from and contribute to our vibrant programme of events will continue this living narrative. You will find a place to listen and to be heard. In return we promise to record, publish and provide spaces where reflection will enrich all of our stories.
If you have new work to share, bring your flash fiction to our Saturday session for a chance to read. And if you bring along a printed story of 3000 words or under with your contact details, I will read it with a view to publishing or performance at the Word Factory in 2018.
Be inspired. Find your voice. Bring your friends.
Cathy Galvin. Director & Founder. The Word Factory.
Join the conversation — Tell a new story.
Book Now – Not Long to Go!
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Festival Events & Tickets
Other Info & Details
The Festival Ticket : All Events
Experience everything the festival has to offer with one ticket and SAVE UP TO £70!
FRIDAY 10th – SATURDAY 11th, NOVEMBER 2017
Check individual event times
£40 to £55

Listening : with Divya Ghelani, Courttia Newland, Andrew Williams, Alan Everett & Nat King
FRIDAY 10th NOVEMBER
5pm – 6pm, the Theatre
£8 to £15

Hot Off The Press : An Evening with Alexei Sayle & Christina Lamb
FRIDAY 10th NOVEMBER
6.30pm – 7.30pm, the Theatre
£8 to £15

Citizens of Everywhere: Workshop with Nikesh Shukla
This writing workshop, led by Nikesh Shukla and Liverpool University's creative writing postgraduates, is limited to 25 people. Book early.
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
9am – 11.15am, the Second Floor (Seminar Room 8)
FREE

Flash Forward : New Talent Showcase
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
11.30am – 1pm, the Gound Floor Café
£5

The Individual and the Demos – Replying to the Critics of Democracy : A.C. Grayling
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
1.30pm – 2.30pm, the Second Floor (Seminar Room 3)
£8 to £15

Who We Want To Be – Writing Our Future : Writers under 25 with Nikesh Shukla & Kate Clanchy
Free to anyone under 25 on production of ID, unless fully booked out by ticket holders.
https://citizen-festival-event-06.eventbrite.co.uk
2.45pm – 4pm, the Theatre
FREE to £15

We Are Multitudes : In association with English PEN
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
4.30pm – 5.45pm, the Theatre
£8 to £15

We Need To Talk About Brexit : Lionel Shriver
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
6pm – 7pm, (Seminar Room 9)
£8 to £15

Voices : Ben Okri
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
7.30pm – 8.30pm, the Theatre
https://citizen-festival-event-09.eventbrite.co.uk
Important Details
FESTIVAL DATES & VENUE
Friday 10th and Saturday 11th, 2017
University of Liverpool in London,
33 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AG
In association with The Centre for New and International Writing, University of Liverpool.
Partners: Arts Council England. New Writing North. Writers’ Centre Norwich. Lacuna Magazine.
ON THE DAY
Please register at reception and arrive early to find your way around the venue.
BOOKSHOP
The Word Factory Festival will stock a range of related titles, provided by our bookseller. Most events will be followed by a book signing session.
TICKETS & PRICES
Individual ticket prices vary from £5 to £15 and are listed beside each event.
Word Factory Friends enjoy Priority Booking, an invitation to our Friday evening drinks reception and a discount: link to membership.
Concessionary rates apply to students, seniors (over 65) and unemployed adults.
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged.
We encourage you to buy in advance: tickets may be difficult to purchase at the festival.
FREE WORKSHOP
Please note: the Saturday workshop is a free event. It is ticketed for 25 people and booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
FREE FILMS
A film evoking her best-selling work, Citizen, by Claudia Rankine and new work in response to the language of Donald Trump by Ben Myers will be screened for free throughout the festival.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
For up-to-date information on all events, please refer to our website. This information is correct at the time of publishing. The Word Factory reserves the right to alter the programme if necessary.