WoWFest2022: Future Imperfect

Writing on the Wall’s WoWFEST, the longest running writing festival in Liverpool, returns in May with a line-up of famous names.

WoWFEST: FUTURE IMPERFECT will take place online and in iconic venues across Liverpool, featuring:

Award-winning journalist Gary Younge, T.S. Eliot prize winner Joelle Taylor, The Responder creator Tony Schumacher, actor Phil McGuinness, Comedian and Writer Rob Newman, Costa Prize winning poet Hannah Lowe, Author and Journalist Shon Faye, Architect Asif Khan, International Artist Theaster Gates, authors Ashleigh Nugent and Danielle Owen-Jones, Liverpool Literary Agency founder Clare Coombes, Author Kay Flavell, Director of Bluecoat Bryan Biggs.

This year’s theme, FUTURE IMPERFECT, aims to press the reset button. What does the future hold for us all? Can we find a new utopia amidst the global dystopian scenes that pour daily from our screens? WoWFEST: FUTURE IMPERFECT will be a space to explore world changing ideas, and to offer hope through creativity and community.

Other events include the launch of Kay Flavell’s People of the Lane: Living in and around Lark Lane, Liverpool, 1880-2020 and ‘Love Letter to Odessa: All Refugees are Welcome!’ to send messages of love and solidarity to Liverpool’s sister city.

Since its launch in 2000, WoWFEST has catapulted the careers of many successful writers, spoken word artists and performers. The festival also provides an array of opportunities for Liverpool creatives to meet fellow writers, learn from professionals, develop their work, and celebrate the city’s diversity and talent.

Madeline Heneghan and Mike Morris, WoW’s Co-Directors:

“We’re delighted to be back with a live festival after two years of lockdown. 

Future Imperfect is all about acknowledging the grief, hostility, war, discrimination, and crises we are all currently facing, whilst also exploring the possibility of a future utopia, and potential glimmers of hope. We’re looking forward to hearing insights from our incredible line-up of speakers, and exploring our dreams for the future, together.

We are proud of the work we have achieved, bringing creativity to local communities, tackling social issues, and encouraging the people of Liverpool to tell their story. Our festival is not only a continuation of this work, but a chance to reconnect with some familiar faces and celebrate with the city’s creative community.”

WoW are offering gifted and reduced rate tickets, and a pay it forward scheme. Full details about the festival and tickets for each event, including concessions, are available at www.writingonthewall.org.uk/wowfest