Our patron, crime writer Margaret Murphy, on the Smithdown Litfest:
I am honoured and thrilled to have been invited to be a patron of the Smithdown Litfest. The Smithdown corridor couldn’t be closer to home for me: I was born just off Smithdown Road, grew up and attended school, made my first forays into storytelling there. Mum nursed in Sefton General Hospital, and Dad was taxi driver. Several of my novels are set in Liverpool, mostly around Toxteth, and I’ve just started a new series with a Detective Sergeant who lives – you guessed it – off Smithdown Road.
Libraries give people of all ages and walks of life access to new worlds, so it’s fitting that the beautifully restored Carnegie Library in Toxteth will be one of the festival venues. And with author talks for all ages, the week-long programme of stimulating literary events is a fantastic opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of the area, from Penny Lane to Liverpool 8.
Smithdown LitFest is for those who are passionate about books and those who are just starting on their journey as readers, it is for proud locals, and for visitors exploring our special corner of south Liverpool. So get inspired, have fun, bring your friends. We’ll have a blast.