Tony Walsh at Chorlton Book Festival

Contact: chorltonlibrary@manchester.gov.uk

Manchester’s Tony Walsh, Longfella, is ‘one of the UK’s most renowned performance poets.’ His trademark mix of intimacy and controversy, comedy and tragedy has been stunning audiences from grass-roots poetry gigs to international literature festivals since 2004.

‘Some poets can make you laugh, a few can make you cry but only a handful can do both. By all accounts, Tony Walsh is one such poet. Splitting your sides and breaking your heart? Be warned - this guy should come with a health warning!’ Glastonbury Festival

His work has been published in the UK, USA and Russia, commissioned by BBC television and radio, and showcased at prestigious international poetry festivals including Ledbury, Strokestown and StAnza. He has performed at the Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw; as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 50th anniversary celebrations; and as website Poet in Residence for the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival.

His eagerly-awaited debut collection, ‘SEX & LOVE & ROCK&ROLL’ takes us on an extraordinary journey through ordinary lives; proudly flying the flag for the exciting new poetry scene which is packing out venues and festival tents around the UK. Make no mistake, these are accessible, musical poems; influenced by the songs which soundtrack our lives; brimming with northern warmth and humour; propelled by passion and compassion as their bassline and their beat.

“Fired and inspiring.’ John Hegley
‘Fabulous stuff…’ Irvine Welsh
‘A call to arms….’ Billy Bragg
‘He is the real deal!’ Benjamin Zephaniah.
‘Absolutely beautiful!’ Cerys Matthews, BBC6Music
‘Excellent!’ Jo Whiley, BBC Radio 2
"Absolutely brilliant!" Sir Alex Ferguson

With five star reviews and the odd standing ovation this will be one book event that is simply unmissable. Think that you don’t like poetry? Think again.

‘Utterly mesmerising and unforgettable.’ The Fly.

7.30-9pm

Web: www.longfella.co.uk
Twitter: @LongfellaPoet

Entry: Free

Time: 7.30