Lemn Sissay, Henry Normal

Some 25 years after their joint gig that launched the Manchester Poetry Festival, Lemn Sissay and Henry Normal re-unite to celebrate its continued success now as a Literature Festival.

Award-winning poet, playwright and broadcaster, Lemn Sissay, has performed on stages across the world, from Wembley Stadium to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. His most recent publications include the poetry collection Gold from the Stone, and his memoir My Name is Why, about growing up in care and finding hope and creativity.

Poet, writer and TV/film producer Henry Normal has published seven poetry books (including new release Strikingly Invisible) and co-scripted TV shows including The Royle Family and Mrs. Merton. He co-wrote A Normal Family about bringing up his autistic son and has an accompanying BBC Radio 4 series.