Hundreds mark book festival's first chapter

Comedian Stan Boardman stands with a woman in front of a stage. He is holding up a book which is called 'My Life Story' and doing a thumbs up with his other hand. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

Stan Boardman spoke about his newly released autobiography

Sarah Spina-Matthews
BBC News, Manchester

More than 1,000 book lovers turned out for the first ever Liverpool Book Festival.

The festival, held at the city's Invisible Wind Factory, featured workshops, live music, author talks and stalls from more than 60 authors showcasing their books.

It also featured special guests including comedian Stan Boardman, Marvel writers Tim Quinn and Alan Cowsill, broadcaster Billy Butler, celebrity chef Dave Critchley and Sunday Times bestseller Caroline Corcoran.

Justin Hopper, organiser and editor of magazine La Vida Liverpool, said the inaugural festival had been "a lot of hard work but a triumph for local creativity and literary talent".

He said the event had raised more than £1,500 for local literacy charities Inspiring Minds CIC and Builder Book.

"The feedback has been incredible and there will most definitely be more. Keep your eyes peeled for another Liverpool Book Festival soon," he said.

Dave Critchley wears a chef coat with his name embroidered on the chest. He is shaking hands with another man and smiling. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

Celebrity chef Dave Critchley met fans at Sunday's festival

A large room is full of people milling around and looking at vendors selling books at stalls. A man is playing the guitar and singing on a stage in the background. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

More than 1,000 people attended the inaugural festival

A man stands next to a woman on a stage. They are both holding microphones and she is speaking into hers and holding a book called Tiny Daggers in her other hand. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

Caroline Corcoran spoke about her book Tiny Daggers

Liv Jones, a young woman with long hair, stands singing and playing an acoustic guitar on a stage. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

Local musician Liv Jones performed at the event

A man wearing a floral button-up shirt stands behind a stall with books on it. He is holding his hands up and has his mouth open as if in surprise. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

More than 60 authors exhibited their books

Dave Critchley, wearing chef whites, sits next to Nigel Parkinson, who is wearing a red and black plaid shirt. A banner with a picture of Dennis the Menace, a cartoon boy, playing an electric guitar is behind them. La Vida Liverpool & Jade Andreas

Dave Critchley and Beano cartoonist Nigel Parkinson were among special guests

Get in touch

Tell us which stories we should cover on Merseyside

Contact form

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Related topics