Poetry performance star Tony Walsh hosts an invitation/all star slam at the Prestwich book festival on 31 May, at Heaton Park sports and social club. Lined up are north-west names Mark Mace Smith, Dominic Berry, Rod Tame, Chanje Kunda, Helen Clare, Louise Fazackerley, Clare Kirwan, Kieran King, Gordon Zola, Dave Viney and Joy France, who between them have won slams from Glastonbury to New York.  Walsh said: “A great night is guaranteed and my aim is for this to be a real showcase for our scene in front of an audience which includes many who will be attending a poetry event for the first time.” It starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £5. More details

PHOTOGRAPH: JONATHAN FOULGER