Agard, Blackman and Wretch 32 to headline inaugural #Merky Books Lit Fest

Stormzy’s Penguin publishing imprint, #Merky Books, has announced its first ever literature festival, taking place from 22nd to 23rd April in partnership with Netflix, with writers John Agard and Malorie Blackman and rapper Wretch 32 to headline.

Situated in the Roundhouse in Camden, north London, the headline event on Saturday 22nd April is a panel discussion with Wretch 32 and Agard, followed by an opening party hosted by Sounds by No Signal. Blackman – former Children’s Laureate and author of the award-winning Noughts and Crosses series – will be interviewed by Vick Hope on Sunday 23rd April.

Wretch 32, whose book Rapthology was published by #Merky in 2022, said: “I’m excited to join such an inspirational line-up from #Merky Books and Netflix. It’s so important to encourage and support young people across the full range of creative industries.”

The free event – which is sponsored by Netflix – will showcase established authors alongside new voices. It will cover not only literature, but writing and storytelling across film and TV, music and photography.

Additional events taking place over the weekend include: a spoken-word performance with Sophia Thakur, Monika Radojevic, Caleb Femi and Yomi Sode; a creative funding session with finance expert Bola Sol; a panel discussion exploring the theme of girlhood with author Candice Brathwaite and playwright and screenwriter Theresa Ikoko; and a conversation on mental health and resilience hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Richie Brave.

Guests will be able to attend workshops, masterclasses and screenings, as well as career drop-in clinics held by Penguin Random House, #Merky Books, Netflix and expert industry organisations such as MYM: Million Youth Media. Lit in Colour – Penguin Random House’s programme dedicated to diversifying the school curriculum – will run a stand, while Run The Check will hold "Ask Me Anything" sessions each day. Panels of experts will unpack a range of roles within the creative industry, giving tangible advice and insights into how to get in, the skills needed and how to thrive. Independent bookseller Round Table Books will also run a bookshop throughout the weekend.

Lemara Lindsay-Prince, senior commissioning editor for #Merky Books, commented: “At #Merky Books, we are committed to breaking down barriers in the publishing industry and investing in the voices of today and tomorrow. We are incredibly excited to host our first ever literary festival in partnership with Netflix and proud to put on an event that speaks directly to our core values – going even further to demystify the creative industries, empower a new generation of talent and offer an insight into the range of careers in the arts.”

Anne Mensah, vice-president of UK content at Netflix, said: “At Netflix, we believe that creativity and the UK creative industries must be for all. Without everyone’s voices represented in the arts, we are so much lesser than we should be. Events like the #Merky Books Literature Festival open up our industry to young people and show the range of real and accessible careers available to them. We are thrilled to be supporting our friends at #Merky to make this happen.”

Stormzy added: “I’m so proud that we’re able to offer a free festival to inspire young creatives. This is going to be our biggest event yet for #Merky Books.”

For more information, and to book, visit: www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2023/in-the-round-festival-2023/merky-books-literature-festival-day-1/.