Alexei Sayle, Kit De Waal

For a nation that brought the world Chartism, the Suffragettes, the Tolpuddle Martyrs, and so many other grassroots social movements, Britain rarely celebrates its long tradition of people power.

A timely and evocative collection, Protest: Stories of Resistance includes contributions by 20 authors who have re-imagined key moments of British protest - from the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 to the anti-Iraq war demo of 2003. Written in close consultation with historians, sociologists and eyewitnesses – who also contribute to the afterword – these stories follow fictional characters caught up in real-life struggles, offering a street-level perspective on the noble art of resistance.

We are delighted to bring together Liverpool born author and comedian Alexei Sayle and Birmingham novelist Kit De Waal to discuss their stories on the anti-Vietnam War demonstration and Malcolm X's visit to Smethwick. Kit will be joined by historical consultant and equal rights activist Avtar Jouhl to discuss her story, and the event will be chaired by the book's editor, Ra Page.