The Louder Than Words Festival, an annual gathering of music and writing enthusiasts, has been gaining momentum with each passing year. Now in its 11th year, this extraordinary event remains the only festival that genuinely delves into the intricate and profound relationship between music and the written word. The esteemed Louder Than Words team, under the guidance of Jill Adam and John Robb, takes great pleasure in unveiling the highly anticipated program for this year’s festival, which is set against the backdrop of the renowned Innside Hotel on Tony Wilson Place in Manchester, a location that aptly pays homage to the iconic Haçienda nightclub of yesteryears.

The festivities commence on Friday, November 10th with a diverse and dynamic lineup of events. Daryl Easlea and Don Powell will delve into the world of Slade, while Trevor Horn and John Robb will discuss all things ABC to ZTT. Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet will also be in attendance for a conversation.

The night will conclude with a lively DJ set by Daniel Rachel, following his discussion of the 2-Tone story with Horace Panter of The Specials. Saturday’s schedule includes Ian Broudie discussing his book Tomorrow’s Here Today, Derek Forbes of Simple Minds fame in conversation with bass riff treats, Jacqui Wicks with a live Blues performance embracing the Sadness Paradox, and Eddie Piller sharing his life as a Mod – from the Revival to Acid Jazz.

The musical genres on display are equally diverse, ranging from Throbbing Gristle to Napalm Death, Buzzcocks to arranger John Philip Shenale, and Fanzine founder Tom Vague to Eddie Cochran via rave and club culture.

Louder Than Words offers more than just a surface-level experience, with academics and music writers convening for panels, discussions, Q&As, workshops, and even dancing and skanking. Attendees have the unique opportunity to interact with these individuals in a social and relaxed setting. The hotel’s three fully accessible function rooms are exclusively reserved for the festival, allowing for seamless transitions between events. Additionally, visitors can browse the dedicated bookshop, hosted by Blackwell’s, and mingle in the hotel bar and social spaces before and after the events.

The festival has a rich history of accomplishments and notable moments that have made it a popular festival within it’s field. Over the years, the festival has showcased some well known and respected artists, musicians, and performers. One of the festival’s most notable accomplishments is its ability to attract a diverse range of artists and performers. From highly-renowned musicians to up-and-coming artists, the festival has consistently provided a platform for artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences.