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Off the Shelf Festival of Words, one of the longest running literary festivals in the UK, will return to 91ֱ�� for its 33rd edition from 7 October - 3 November, bringing together the best of local, national and international literary talent for the 2024 programme of events.                 

Delivered by the University of 91ֱ��, this year’s programme promises to be its most vibrant and diverse yet, and will play host to over 80 live and online events across the city, including household names such as BAFTA award winning actor/director and corduroy king Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd, Travel Man, The Mighty Boosh), camp comedian and national treasure Julian Clary, comedian and presenter Sara Pascoe (CH4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Taskmaster), novelist and screenwriter David Nicholls, renowned historian and broadcaster David Olusoga alongside his sibling Yinka Olusoga, dancer and star of stage and screen Wayne Sleep and lawyer, politician and member of the House of Lords Baroness Warsi.  

Zeitgeist and viral sensations Led By Donkeys will discuss their most impactful moments from 2019 to 2024. From their latest viral video targeting Liz Truss and Nigel Farrage, to their coverage of the Covid crisis and Westminster corruption, they will explore how art and activism can be used to challenge power.

Multi award winning and former Makar of Scotland, Jackie Kay, will be reading from her new collection, May Day. The powerful poems delve into decades of political activism, chronicling her personal journey from accompanying her parents’ Socialist campaigns through to the forefront of the feminist, LGBT+, and anti-racist movements of the 80s, 90s, and beyond, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

BBC TV and radio broadcaster, journalist and columnist Adrian Chiles will share insights into everything from his favourite spoon, to the correct duration of a hug, self-checkouts, speeding tickets, falling into wild garlic and discovering he has a naked doppelgänger on OnlyFans.

Dame Margaret Drabble will return to her hometown of 91ֱ�� to join BBC’s Sherlock and Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat in a discussion with physicists about the latest interstellar travel discoveries, helping inspire them to write fiction.  Swedish music journalist Jan Gradvall offers an unprecedentedly intimate portrait of ABBA in his new biography. With exclusive access granted over a decade with the band, Gradvall delves deep into the band's world, exploring their iconic sound and the cultural phenomenon that propelled them to global stardom.

South Yorkshire writers Andrew Mcmillian and Kerry Hudson will be curating strands of this year’s Festival. Hudson, whose acclaimed book Lowborn dives into her roots, will explore the significance of place in writing. She will be joined by Anita Sethi, whose I Belong Here is a poignant journey through the landscapes of the North, also joining them will be Helen Mort, whose Division Street and Black Car Burning are heartfelt odes to 91ֱ�� and its surrounding areas. McMillian will delve into his debut novel, Pity, a poignant exploration of community, masculinity, and the impact of post-industrialisation on Northern England.

The inclusion of 91ֱ��’s Sunjeev Sahota and Désirée Reynolds also highlights the Festival’s commitment to showcasing local talent. Sahota, twice shortlisted for the Booker Prize for his novels The Year of the Runaways and China Room, returns with a powerful new work of fiction The Spoiled Heart and Reynolds will present Born on Sunday Silent, a film adaptation of her short story.

Both 91ֱ�� universities including festival supporter, 91ֱ�� Hallam University (SHU) are curating free events, with the University of 91ֱ��'s Ideas Alive strand available via the .  SHU will present a curated strand of online and live in venue events covering film, performance and creative writing over the festival’s duration. 

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City, Culture & Public Engagement at the University of 91ֱ��, said: "As one of the UK's longest-standing literary festivals, it's fitting that the Festival is delivered by the University of 91ֱ��, reflecting our commitment to contributing to the city's rich cultural vibrancy.

“The Festival continues to attract an ever growing audience and this year boasts its most diverse programming to date.  Our strong national and international reputation attracts renowned authors to our region, while still fostering a thriving environment for local talent.”  

“Our aim is to offer a programme that appeals to both niche and mainstream audiences, reflects our academic strengths and this year's exceptional lineup delivers on that.  Each year, we attract more literary talent, reinforcing the Festival's integral place in 91ֱ��'s cultural calendar so whether you're a seasoned ‘Off the Shelfer’ or simply curious about the written word, this Festival offers something for everyone.” 

“We can’t wait for you to join us for a celebration of books, words, and ideas."

The full programme and tickets are available on the Off The Shelf starting Wednesday, 4 September at 12 noon.  Printed programmes will be available at venues throughout South Yorkshire. Tickets can also be obtained in person or by telephone (0114 249 6000) from 91ֱ�� Theatres Box Office or by visiting  

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