Author and journalist Sathnam Sanghera is among the famous names taking part in Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival later this month.

The three-day festival in October will feature an appearance from London-based Sathnam – one of Britain’s most promising young writers.

His first book,The Boy with the Topknot: A Memoir of Love, Secrets and Lies in Wolverhampton, was shortlisted for the Costa Biography Award. His new book - Marriage Material, a reworking of Arnold Bennett’s classic, The Old Wives’ Tale, is an story of family love and politics spanning the twentieth century. Told with humour, tenderness and insight, it was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award and longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize.

It tells how Arjan Banga returns to the Black Country after the unexpected death of his father. His family’s corner shop represents everything he has tried to leave behind – a lethargic pace of life with insular rituals and ways of thinking.

Sathnam was born to Punjabi parents in the West Midlands in 1976, attended Wolverhampton Grammar School and graduated from Christ’s College, Cambridge, with a first-class degree in English Language. In 2013 he was named as one of ‘The Men of Next 25 years’ by GQ magazine.

Satham will be talking about his writing and new book on Saturday 24 October at 2.30pm at Rochdale Pioneers Museum.

The festival runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October, promising another feast of events for all ages covering drama, comedy, dance, music, theatre, films, visual arts and children’s shows. 

Other guests include storyteller Pete Chand, poet Imtiaz Dharker, playwright Bonnie Greer OBE, comedian Dom Joly, author Jonathan Harvey and DJ Andy Kershaw. Other highlights include author/poet Gervase Phinn, the Poet Laureate Dame Carol Ann Duffy and poet Lemn Sissay.

The festival celebrates and promotes the Maskew Collection of classic literature and philosophy at Rochdale Central Library, encouraging people to engage in thought and philosophy. It is due to the generosity of Annie and Frank Maskew, a Rochdale couple who shared a passion for reading and thinking, who originally met in Rochdale Library. They left a sum of money to be used on resources and events related to literature, and philosophy to ensure classic works are available for future generations.

For the full line-up and to book tickets, visit www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk   
The festival is organised by Rochdale Borough Council, funded by ticket sales, sponsorship and the Maskew bequest.