Step into the vibrant heart of Manchester’s literary scene with the 2026 Manchester Writing School Summer Festival (15–19 June).

Hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University, this four-day celebration of creativity brings together writers working across multiple genres for an immersive programme of workshops, masterclasses, and readings. With two days online (15-16 June) and two days in person (18-19 June), the festival offers a unique chance to experience one of the UK’s largest and most successful creative writing communities.

“It feels like a proper community of creative people, coming together to do what they enjoy.”
— Previous festival participant (2025)

“The classroom is just half of what we do, and the other half is the atmospheres that cultivate talent.”
— Joe Stretch, festival co-organiser (2024)

“I wanted the participants to become confident and understand that performing poetry is a craft.”
— Dr Malika Booker (2025)

“It brings the whole of the Manchester Writing School together, in a way that we can’t often do in term time. Most importantly for me, it’s all about the community and connection made through creativity.”
— James Draper, festival co-organiser (2024-25)

Attendance at the 2026 Manchester Writing School Summer Festival is free for all Manchester Met English and Creative Writing students and alumni. Current students do not need to register via the eStore and will receive information on how to register through Moodle. Alumni of Manchester Writing School should email Dr Kim Moore at kim.moore@mmu.ac.uk for a code that will allow you to register for a free place.

The general public can attend for a fee of £350 for all four days, £250 for the two-day online programme, or £250 for the two-day in-person programme. The full programme will be announced later this Spring, so please keep an eye out on the Manchester Writing School social media for more information.

We also have five bursary places available – please contact Dr Kim Moore at kim.moore@mmu.ac.uk for more information. These places are for writers on a low income who would not otherwise be able to attend. We do not need evidence or explanation, so just drop us an email to let us know you’d like one, and you will be sent a code, subject to availability and confirmation.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased using the attached link.