Our second Andy Gilbert night in Leek! Be prepared to laugh so hard you might cry

'Way Marker' is a folk horror tale of isolation and dark secrets brought to you by The Librarian of Weeping Bank.

Railways and Tramways of the Staffordshire Moorlands

Meet Gary Fyles, the Director of ThinkingBigger Ltd, a primary teacher and leader of over twenty years, is a published children’s author (Bumblebee, ThinkingBigger) and illustrator and a growth mindset coach.

Join former Waterstones Crime Fiction buyer, turned bestselling author, Joseph Knox (Sirens, True Crime Story) as he discusses his journey to publication and a life in crime.

Carrie Weston and Caroline will be reading a new story Sea Slug or Alien Bug?

Join Matt with exciting storytelling, an intriguing look through Matt’s own artwork and inspiration followed by an engaging child-led activity based on story and character development. Art workshops include making anything from books, character masks, cards and group collages.

Award-winning author, Shirley Mann talks about how the real women of WW2 who inspired her books, broke glass ceilings for future generations.

Books can write themselves. It is fascinating when this happens. I'll give you my hints and tips, and tell you what it has done for me.

Join cartoonist Marc Jackson (BEANO, the Phoenix, GOOF) as you learn how to cut loose and make comics! Marc’s lively, and off-beat approach to cartooning will help you unlock your inner cartoonist as you discover the joys of comics and how to make them. Ages 6+

A talk discussing the history of writing for these authors, from using pen and paper, moving into the digital age to now having to compete against AI writing in professional world and what their thoughts are on this brave new world.

Join Sheena Billett, Jan Edwards, Pete Sherlock and Sarah James talking about their writing process. What works for them, what didn't and what they do to get over writers block and other hints and tips.

Join us for an intimate and captivating discussion with a group of authors who specialize in dark, gripping crime fiction. These talented voices from the indie scene bring fresh perspectives to the genre, exploring the darker side of human nature and the thrilling mysteries.

Join Matt with exciting storytelling, an intriguing look through Matt’s own artwork and inspiration followed by an engaging child-led activity based on story and character development. Art workshops include making anything from books, character masks, cards and group collages.

Suitable for ages 7-11 join Charlotte with some creative poetry writing.

Roger Elkin has won 63 First Prizes in International Open Poetry Competitions, and several Awards for his poetry. In this Question and Answer session, Roger will share with you his insights, secrets and strategies! Don’t miss this chance - come along loaded with your questions!

What draws us in to a cosy crime novel? Join Cosy crime writers discussing what makes a great cosy crime from an authors perspective. Join Dawn Brookes, T. A.Belshaw, Margaret Holbrook and Tom Mead for this cosy conversation.

Hear from four authors Mark Eklid, Rebecca Struthers, Punam Farmah and Enkel Asamatjai discuss previous professions and their impact on writing. For many of our authors writing is part of a rich and varied work life - find out how being an author has changed other jobs they hold and vice versa!