Four bestselling women writers talk all things novel writing. From mid-life wives to midwives, Christmas crackers to beach reads, a Yorkshire village to Berlin zoo – they cover it all!
Join Tilly Tennant, Julie Houston, Tracy Bloom and Anna Stuart for an evening of entertainment to discuss the joy of stories, both writing them and reading them.
This is a free event and will be oversubscribed, if you are no longer able to attend, please email [email protected] so they can re-release your ticket.
This lunchtime networking and afternoon workshop invites anyone interested in the power of words to explore the role of literature, creative writing and poetry in creative health.
Bringing together people from across communities, health and social care, and the arts, the session will offer space to share lived experiences of how reading, writing and poetry can support health, wellbeing and connection in everyday life.
Speakers will include:
Nick Barley, Director of the National Poetry Centre
Professor Rowan Bailey, Strategic Lead for Research (Arts and Humanities) and Principal Investigator of Creative Health HUB (University of Huddersfield)
Luise Marino, SWYPT (South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching)
Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England
Come and explore the benefits of literature for wellbeing, lived experiences of using creative writing and poetry in health and social care settings, and the personal practice of reading and engaging with literature as part of daily life. We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas about the role of literature, creative writing and poetry in creative health.
The workshop will also introduce the work of the National Creative Health Hub (based at the University of Huddersfield), which is leading a consortium project with a range of external partners and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This work sits within the wider ambitions of the West Yorkshire Creative Health System, which aims to support creative health in making people’s lives healthier and happier.
No prior experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore the creative health benefits of literature, creative writing and poetry together.
The Create Lab, Barbara Hepworth Building, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH (See map below, Barbara Hepworth Building is no 36 on the map)
Access: if you have specific access needs or seating preferences, please contact our Admin team at [email protected] with your request.
NOTE: there is no general public parking at the University. For information on disabled parking, contact the University direct on 01484 422 288.
Concession & Carers: For further information on concession and essential carer tickets, please visit our FAQ’s page.
Eventbrite note: When purchasing tickets please download the Eventbrite ‘app’ or ‘create an Eventbrite account’. This will facilitate quicker access to your tickets.
Your chance to hear insights from Arts Council England Chief Executive Darren Henley about the current landscape of arts and culture, and pose your questions on the pressing issues facing this sector.
Arts and culture enrich people’s lives in many ways, but securing funding has become more challenging. In The Arts Dividend: How Investment in Culture Creates Happier Lives, Darren Henley presents an impassioned and convincing case for the importance and rewards of public investment in arts and culture.
He also offers first-hand insights into how the arts:
encourage creativity
enhance education
provide defining characteristics to places
have a positive impact on health and wellbeing
support innovation and technology
contribute to economic prosperity
enhance our country’s reputation for cultural excellence
Darren Henley OBE is Chief Executive of Arts Council England. The author of two independent government reviews into music and culture, he has written 30 books about the arts. Before joining the Arts Council, he spent 15 years leading Classic FM. He holds degrees in politics from the University of Hull, management from the University of South Wales and history of art from the University of Buckingham.
Accessibility information: this event will have live subtitling by Stagetext.
Thursday 14 May
5.30pm-6.30pm
Cellar, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street HD1 2SP
Ticket price: £5 (£4 conc) free for University of Huddersfield staff and students & essential carers accompanying a ticket holder
Age guidance: 14+ (U16s should be accompanied by an adult)
Access: if you have specific access needs or seating preferences, please contact our Admin team at [email protected] with your request.
Concession & Carers: For further information on concession and essential carer tickets, please visit our FAQ’s page.
Eventbrite note: When purchasing tickets please download the Eventbrite ‘app’ or ‘create an Eventbrite account’. This will facilitate quicker access to your tickets.
POSTPONED – we regret to announce that this event has been postponed. We hope to reschedule for October 2026, more information to follow soon.
Join us for an evening of sharing stories, food and music of the African-Caribbean Diaspora.
Featuring:
Contributions from local writers and storytellers
A short film about the impact of Hurricane Beryl on the island of Carriacou, created by local musician and producer Nigel Cudjoe (Savvy) of Saving Grace Music
Music from local performers including the Huddersfield Community Gospel Choir, DJ and dancing
Free buffet included in the ticket price
Friday 15 May
6pm-10pm
Huddersfield Mission, 3-13 Lord Street HD1 1QA
£7.50 advance, £10 on the door (includes free buffet), free ticket for essential carers accompanying a ticket holder.
Access: if you have specific access needs or seating preferences, please contact our Admin team at [email protected] with your request.
Concession & Carers: For further information on concession and essential carer tickets, please visit our FAQ’s page.
Eventbrite note: When purchasing tickets please download the Eventbrite ‘app’ or ‘create an Eventbrite account’. This will facilitate quicker access to your tickets.
Access: if you have specific access needs or seating preferences, please contact our Admin team at [email protected] with your request.
Concession & Carers: For further information on concession and essential carer tickets, please visit our FAQ’s page.
Eventbrite note: When purchasing tickets please download the Eventbrite ‘app’ or ‘create an Eventbrite account’. This will facilitate quicker access to your tickets.
PLEASE NOTE: this event will now be an online event, to be released on our YouTube channel shortly.
Yorkshire writer, poet and musician Stu Hennigan talks about his dark, complex, and visceral debut novel Keshed, an unflinching character study exploring class, belonging, fatherhood and conflicting ideals of modern masculinity. (Note: strong language and adult themes)
In the derelict shell of what was once his family home, a dying man surveys the wreckage of his former life and drinks himself senseless, haunted by the chain of events that led him there. At heart, Keshed is the story of a relationship struggling to cope with the impossible pressures of raising a child under late-stage capitalism; but it’s also a love letter to the working-class north, from the grinding poverty of Thatcher’s ’80s to the present day.
Stu will be interviewed by author Simon Crump.
“Stu Hennigan is one of my favourite writers. His voice is unmistakable and always compelling. Keshed, in its presentation of class and fatherhood, displays verve, fearlessness and total commitment to its characters and their world. It’s brutal and beautiful.”
Wendy Erskine, author of The Benefactors
Stu Hennigan is a writer, poet and musician from the north of England. His book Ghost Signs (Bluemoose, 2022) was shortlisted for best non-fiction at the Books Are My Bag Awards and Best Political Book By A Non-Parliamentarian at the Parliamentary Book Awards in 2022/3. His short fiction, essays, poetry, criticism and articles have been published widely in print and online. Keshed is his first novel.
Join Serendipity Creative Writers for a poetry Open Mic: Huddersfield Voices: Reflections of Life, Love, Light & Laughter – “The WRITE Way to Better Mental Health”.
This year is the National Year of Reading 2026, so whether you are an avid writer, a novice or just want to listen, all are welcome to this event in a safe, warm, friendly space, to celebrate creativity and self-expression.
Venue located opposite the Town Hall. Free event and free cake!
Serendipity Creative Writers is a well-established small mental health charity (reg. no. 1201197) founded in 2018. Based in Huddersfield Serendipity serves the surrounding Kirklees area. The charity’s whole ethos is to bring people from all walks of life together through the love, enjoyment and inspiration of poetry, storytelling and the spoken word. Through writing and sharing we can improve our mental health, build friendships and stronger communities. Serendipity runs free weekly workshops in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley, thanks to funding from the National Lottery.
Join local author Salma Zaman for a fun, interactive story reading of her latest book, Benji and his Bellowing Burps.
The session will include colouring activities inspired by the book’s characters. You will also have the chance to ask the author questions about the book and her writing and to get your book signed.
The book is suitable for a reading age of around seven, but all ages are welcome to attend the storytelling session.
Come and join dance teacher Salma Zaman for a fun World Dance Workshop for the whole family. We’ll explore dances from around the world in a relaxed, easy-to-follow way.
No experience needed. If you’ve ever fancied trying line dance, disco, Bollywood dance and more, this session is for you!
Just turn up, have a go and enjoy moving together.
It’s all about fun, music and sharing a great time in a friendly environment.
SEND children and adults welcome.
Saturday 16 May
1.30pm-2.30pm
Amped, 29 Zetland St, Huddersfield HD1 2RD
£2
Age guidance: All ages (U16s should be accompanied by an adult)
Eventbrite note: When purchasing tickets please download the Eventbrite ‘app’ or ‘create an Eventbrite account’. This will facilitate quicker access to your tickets.
Bring your little ones to meet Elmer the Patchwork Elephant – star of one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time.
Free event – no need to book, just turn up!
All about Elmer
Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, the Elmer books have sold over 10 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages since first published by Anderson Press in 1989. Elmer Day is celebrated annually (this year on Saturday 23 May).
Sunday 10 May
1pm-1.35pm
Waterstones, 12/13 Kingsgate Centre, King Street, Huddersfield HD1 2QB
