Sutton Coldfield Town Hall has announced it will host its first Literary Arts Festival in the autumn.

The two-day event (12 & 13 September) will bring together more than 20 poets, authors, performers and creatives for a free weekend of talks, workshops, readings and live performances in celebration of the region's literary and creative arts offering.

The programme will include performances from critically acclaimed memoirist and co-author of The Cost of Trust, Tracy King; Birmingham-based poet Saida Chowdhury; debut novelist and local author Anna Byk, and speculative fiction author A.R. Lerwill, whose talk will explore the role of literature in providing healthy role models for young men.

Birmingham author and editor Kasim Ali will appear in conversation about his latest novel Who Will Remain - a blistering story set in Birmingham's Alum Rock neighbourhood; and award-winning comedy writer Rach Sambrooks (runner-up in the 2025 Comedy Women in Print Prize), will lead a comedy writing workshop.

A ticketed variety showcase featuring a live TV theme music composition performance by David Lowe - the acclaimed composer behind the BBC News theme - and vibrant bhangra dancing and a live jazz quintet, takes place on the Saturday evening. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

All daytime events are completely free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to reserve their place in advance as sessions are limited. The full programme and free reservations are available at suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com