The headline event on Saturday, April 22nd will be a panel discussion with Wretch 32 and John Agard, followed by an opening party hosted by Sounds by No Signal. Mallory Blackman – former Children’s Award winner and author of the award-winning Noughts and Crosses series – is interviewed for her Vick Hope on Sunday, April 23rd.
Details of the festival line-up were announced today on the Roundhouse website and include spoken word performances by Sophia Thakur, Monica Radjevich, Caleb Femi and Yomi Soude. A creative fundraising session with financial expert Bola Sol. A panel discussion exploring the themes of girlhood with best-selling author Candice Brathwaite and playwright and screenwriter Teresa Icoco. A conversation on mental health and resilience hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra host Richie Brave.
Guests can attend workshops, masterclasses, screenings throughout the weekend, as well as career drop-in clinics hosted by professional trade associations such as Penguin Random House, #Merky Books, Netflix and MYM: Million Youth Media can. Lit in Color – Penguin Random House’s program dedicated to diversifying school curricula – will run the booth and Run The Check will host daily “Ask Me Anything” sessions. Our panel of experts illuminates the different roles within the creative industry and provides specific advice and insight on how to enter, the skills needed and how to succeed.
Independent bookstore Round Table Books will operate the bookstore throughout the weekend.
Lemara Lindsay-Prince, senior commissioning editor at #Merky Books, said: We are very excited to partner with Netflix to host the first ever literary festival. We are also proud to host an event that directly communicates our core values. Unlocking the mysteries of the creative industry, empowering a new generation of talent, and a range of careers in the arts.
Ann Mensah, Vice President of UK Content, said: We are far less than we should be if art does not reflect everyone’s voice. Events like the #Merky Books Literature Festival open up our industry to young people and show them the range of real, accessible careers available to them. We are happy to support our #Merky friends in making this happen. ”
Stormzy said: This will be #Merky Books’ biggest event yet.
Wretch 32’s headline act said: Encouraging and supporting young people in all creative industries is very important. ”
The festival is free to attend. Event passes are available from his website at Roundhouse, and you can also attend workshops and masterclasses at the venue on the day of the event.