Through authors, workshops, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and discussions festival-goers were treated to the best international and local talent at the Crescent Arts Centre and partner venues across the city. Some key highlights for 2016 included: 

• The Jam’s drummer Rick Buckler discussed his book That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam at The Black Box
• John Challis (Only Fools and Horses) chatted about his life in show business as well as his books Being Boycie and Reggie:A Stag at Bay
• Award-winning journalist David Aaronovitch discussed his memoir Party Animals
• Financial and economics expert Paul Mason chatted about the state of the world economy, Brexit and much more
• Leading contemporary novelist Dame Fiona Kidman spoke with Cathy Brown about her book on the 1930s aviator icon aka ‘Garbo of the Skies’ Jean Batten
• Award winning Kate Tempest had a chat with Jan Carson about her debut novel The Bricks That Built The Houses
  
• Human rights activist Hyeonseo Lee discussed her memoirs and her work on human rights as well as refugee issues
• 93 year old Harry Leslie Smith brought his unique perspective on the NHS cutbacks, benefits, political corruption and much more with Harry’s Last Stand
• Spoken word artist Hollie McNish discussed her book with is a unique blend of poetry and storytelling
• Maverick film-maker Alex Cox discussed his book for aspiring filmmakers at Crescent Arts Centre
• Rebecca De Saintonge’s One Yellow Door explored the conflicting emotions of infidelity where one partner is severely disabled
• Poet Sinead Morrissey and composer Piers Hellawell presented their collaborative works
• Petrol heads fans enjoyed hearing Liam Beckett’s discuss Full Throttle which explores his partnership with Robert Dunlop