Drummer & TV doctor join authors for book festival

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree will share his new book at the literature festival

Dr Hilary Jones and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree are just two of the big names that have been confirmed for next year's line-up at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival.

Taking place from Friday 6 February until Sunday 8 February, the programme will include literature, poetry and dance, with pre-festival events starting on 31 January.

Rowntree will share his new book No One You Knew, featuring unseen photos and personal memories from the band's early years.

Broadcaster Jones will also explore Under Darkening Skies, the conclusion to his historical trilogy and touch on the medical milestones that inspired the saga.

Jones has written a series of books and co-hosted BBC's The Health Show with Terry Wogan in the 1990s

Author Kasim Ali, who was born and raised in Alum Rock, Birmingham, returns to the festival with Who will Remain, a new novel exploring the inner conflict of a young man caught between his parents' hopes and the harsh realities of the streets.

My Name is Leon author, Kit de Waal, who was also born in Birmingham, will appear at the event for what organisers describe as an intimate conversation about her new novel, The Best of Everything.

This year's Children's Festival will be hosted at Wolverhampton Central Library, with an appearance from children's author Onjali Q. Raúf, who will share the stories behind her beloved books.

Her debut, The Boy at the Back of the Class, won both the 2019 Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.

Onjali Q. Raúf's award winning book is written from a child's perspective of the refugee crisis

Local talent will also be showcased at the festival, from Flexus Dance Collective performing at the Mander Centre to poetry workshops led by Kuli Kohli and Simon Fletcher.

This festival is partnering once again with the Black British Book Festival to present a series of engaging events for young people and adults, such as authors Selina Brown discussing her picture book My Rice is Best, and Cebo Campbell discuss his novel Sky Full of Elephants.

Councillor Chris Burden said: "With over 90 events taking place across the city, Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2026 offers something for everyone whether you're passionate about poetry, curious about new fiction, or looking for family friendly fun.

"Expect a city wide celebration of creativity, connection, and culture, where stories come alive and voices from all walks of life are heard. Join us for a festival that's diverse, dynamic, and full of inspiration."