Word Up
Off the Shelf is back for its 27th year, and continues to produce exciting line-ups that inspire valuable discussion in spaces across the city and both universities. The popular event brings together the biggest names in literature and the arts for series of engaging experiences celebrating the spoken and written word. Venues range from intimate gatherings within the university campuses to the grandeur of the Town Hall, while talks and workshops are as varied as the creatives that deliver them. Last year saw the likes of Robert Webb and Lee Child discuss new books, with previous years welcoming reputable thinkers from the world of celebrity to academia.
Top Shouts
This year, the event explores three themes: the anniversaries of suffrage (100th), Frankenstein (200th) and British circus (250th). Here are a small number of eye-catching announcements from a wide-ranging programme of events.
Straight Outta Crawley –
Romesh Ranganathan
The popular comedian brings his personal brand of dry wit to the Steel City, retracing his steps from his hometown of Crawley to exploring Sri Lankan heritage in what promises to be a hilarious autobiographical account.
How to Give Up Plastic –
Will McCallum
Amid a wave of anti-plastic publicity comes this educational talk from Greenpeace’s Head of Oceans, guiding attendees towards reducing their own plastic usage and exploring the difference one person can make. We recommend anyone affiliated with our suffering planet should attend.
Rise – Gina Miller (Pictured above)
The extraordinary story of Miller’s battle with the government and Brexit extremists, challenging the right to trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval and later facing racist and sexist abuse. It’s an inspirational call to those fearing to speak out against adversity.
Off the Shelf Festival takes place 7-28 October. Head to offtheshelf.org.uk for a full list of talks, workshops, venues and prices.
