Liverpool Literature Live

Date: From Saturday, 15 March 2008 to Sunday, 16 March 2008 | 11:00am - 6:00pm

Location: All Galleries

Ticket Prices: Free

For the re-opening of the Bluecoat and to celebrate the launch of its new literature programme, a selection of Liverpool’s most exciting writing and reading organisations perform or read for 30 minutes each all day Saturday and Sunday (15 & 16 March). This showcase will give visitors on our opening weekend a sense of the range and vibrancy of literature groups currently working in the city. Of particular interest for our younger visitors are the Windows Project (Sat 15 March, 11-11.30 am); Storytelling with Liverpool Libraries (Sat 15 March, 12-12.30pm); and Writing on the Wall Young Writers’ Project (Sun 16 March, 11-11.30am).

SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2008

11-11.30am WINDOWS PROJECT

THE WINDOWS PROJECT was founded in 1976, following an invitation to poets to create poetry workshops for Liverpool playschemes. From this, a game-based approach evolved which has proved successful not only in playschemes all over the region and beyond but also with subsequent developments in youth clubs, schools, libraries, colleges, day centres for elderly or disabled and residential institutions for care or custody. Join in the poetic fun and games with some of the Windows members.

Further information: http://www.windowsproject.demon.co.uk/

12-12.30pm STORYTELLING with LIVERPOOL LIBRARIES

LIVERPOOL LIBRARIES have lots more than books ─ come and join them for some family fun, with stories and rhymes in the Bluecoat. You can also find out more about Liverpool Libraries’ children’s activities, poetry, author events, reading groups, and much, much more.

1.30-2pm THE READER

THE READER will run an event called ‘What’s Your Problem?’ This entertaining session will include a panel of four from The Reader who will invite people to come forward with their problems − “I have a broken heart, nothing will console me”, or, “I am struggling to deal with my overbearing mother”, for example − and one of the panellists will recommend a soothing poem/novel that they should read. In association with Oxford University Press.

Further information: www.thereader.co.uk

3-3.30pm MERCY

MERCY poets will be showcasing a new effort with the band Wave Machines in anticipation of an explosive collaborative programme of paper foolery, face poetry, musical winging-it and visual parts in 2008. There will also be an opportunity to grab a copy of the new Mercy mag – The Anti-Climax Issue – and hand over your personal details to the creators.

“Ambitious and confident.” ─ Jarvis Cocker (Radio 4).

Further information www.showmercy.co.uk

5-5.30pm HEART BEATS

HEART BEATS Poetry Night gives local, national and international poets and musicians a supportive space in which to perform. Special guest poet Alicia Stubbersfield will draw you into visions of intense, intimate memories that are not afraid to cut close to the bone. She will be accompanied by Heart Beats poets Bea Colley and Lisa Jones who combine poetry with music from rock band, Friday's Ghost www.myspace.com/heartbeatspoetry

SUNDAY 16 MARCH 2008

11-11.30am WRITING ON THE WALL YOUNG WRITERS’ PROJECT

WRITING ON THE WALL’s Liverpool Young Writers Project was set up in 2007 under the guidance of Patrick Graham and Dinesh Allirajah. Patrick and Dinesh have been working with a diverse group of young people, developing their creative writing, spoken-word and performance skills. Liverpool Young Writers will astound all with their spoken-word artistry and cutting-edge rhyme that is inspired by the city’s rich heritage, and a celebration of their own identities ─ don’t miss the chance to hear the next generation first!

Further information www.writingonthewall.org.uk

3-3.30pm HEADLAND PUBLICATIONS

HEADLAND PUBLICATIONS is a leading literary press among the smaller independent publishers in Britain today. While specialising in poetry, Headland’s list has been widened in recent years to include short fiction and biography. A selection of Headland authors will read from their work.

Further information www.headlandpublications.co.uk

4-4.30pm NORTHEND WRITERS

NORTHEND WRITERS’ GROUP is a charity working to promote and develop the creative and literary talents of Liverpool people and has a community office in Tuebrook. This event will showcase the work of members of the group and will be a mixture of styles, including poetry and short stories.

Further information www.northendwriters.co.uk

5-5.30pm DEAD GOOD POETS’ SOCIETY

DEAD GOOD POETS’ SOCIETY exists to promote poetry through performance and encourage the development of new poets and audiences in Merseyside. DGPS hold regular Open Floor nights, guest nights, and a programme of workshops and projects. This event will give a taste of the Dead Good Poets’ energy.

Further information www.deadgoodpoetssociety.co.uk

6-6.30pm BACK TO THE MACHINE GUN

BACK TO THE MACHINE GUN was established to fill a gap in the ‘high literary’ end of the market and the local grass-roots poetry network, providing a platform for innovative, less mainstream work. While acknowledging the richness of the city’s past, Back to the Machine Gun embraces the possibility of a more ambitious, internationalist approach to new poetry.

Further information backtothemachinegun-pomes.blogspot.com