On Saturday, November 1st, the Wantage Literary Festival welcomes a unique voice in graphic storytelling, Chris Shepherd, acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and now debut graphic novelist. At 10am in The Lockinge Room at The Beacon, Shepherd will present Anfield Road, a coming-of-age tale set in the gritty heart of late-1980s Liverpool. Whether you’re a fan of graphic novels, northern culture, or simply love a good story, this event promises laughter, tears, and inspiration. Tickets are £13.50.
From October 25th to November 6th, the historic market town of Wantage transforms into a literary haven, hosting the Wantage Literary Festival 2025. With over 40 events spanning genres, voices, and disciplines, this year’s festival promises to be one of the most dynamic yet.
What to Expect
- Diverse Lineup: From literary legends like Sir Max Hastings and Alison Weir to rising stars and genre-bending creatives like Chris Shepherd, the festival showcases a rich tapestry of talent.
- Workshops & Talks: Dive into graphology with Christina Strang, explore Roman history with Harry Sidebottom, or unravel Shakespeare’s early theatre with Daniel Swift.
- Genres Galore: Literature, poetry, history, science, comedy, and the arts all find a home here. Whether you’re into eco-thrillers, medieval queens, or modernist art, there’s something for every curious mind.
- Family & Schools Programme: The festival also runs a charitable schools initiative, nurturing young writers and readers through interactive events and author visits.
Venues & Atmosphere
Events are held across Wantage, with The Beacon serving as a central hub. Expect intimate settings, lively discussions, and a welcoming community vibe that makes every session feel personal and inspiring. Tickets are available via TicketSource, with prices ranging from £8 for children to £22.50 for premium workshops. Many events sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. Full details here.
THE ANFIELD ROAD BOOK TOUR ROLLS ON: NEW DATES ANNOUNCED!
The journey continues! We’re thrilled to announce more major stops on the Anfield Road tour this September and October — with more to come.
ENCOUNTERS FILM FESTIVAL, BRISTOL
Thursday 25 September | 14:30 | Arnolfini, Bristol
Chris will appear at Animated Encounters, part of the UK’s leading celebration of animation and storytelling. Held at the iconic Arnolfini, this event brings together visionary creators from across the creative spectrum.
Expect exclusive readings, behind-the-scenes insights into Anfield Road, and a chance to meet Chris in person. He’ll be signing books and sharing the creative process behind his latest work.
The Thursday lineup includes:
- Ben Mitchell
- Dr Laura Beth Cowley
- Karni and Saul
- Dane Winn
- Blue Zoo
- Nearaja Raj
- Dan Ojari
- Ana Emdin
- Greg Basterfield
- Alan Thorn
- Laura Toofarides
And that’s just the beginning—Friday’s schedule is packed with talks, screenings, and showcases that promise to inspire. Tickets here.
Explore the full Encounters Industry & Events Programme
THE LAKES INTERNATIONAL COMIC ART FESTIVAL
26–28 September | Bowness-on-Windermere
Next stop: LICAF, a vibrant celebration of comics, graphic novels, and visual storytelling. This year’s theme—Comics Can Change the World—spotlights the medium’s power to promote literacy, education, and environmental awareness.
Chris joins an international lineup of creators, sharing how Anfield Road fits into the broader conversation about comics as tools for change. Expect live draws, interviews, workshops, exhibitions, and a bustling Comics Marketplace.
LIVERPOOL LITERARY FESTIVAL
17-19 October | Liverpool
Chris Shepherd and his acclaimed book Anfield Road will be appearing at this year’s Liverpool Literary Festival, running from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October. And this year’s edition is extra special—it marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of literary brilliance.
Set within the stunning Victoria Gallery & Museum, the festival brings together some of the UK’s most dynamic voices in fiction, poetry, and creative thought. Chris will take the stage to discuss Anfield Road, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the story’s origins, themes, and creative journey. He’ll also be signing copies—so bring your book or grab one on the day.
This year’s roster is nothing short of spectacular:
- Emma Jane Unsworth introduces her bold new novel Slags
- John Ironmonger explores climate change through compelling fiction
- John Higgs unpacks the wild legacy of Doctor Who in his latest release
- Nussaibah Younis presents Fundamentally, a powerful new work
- Plus appearances from Adele Zeynep Walton, Hattie Williams, Dorothy Koomson, Juno Dawson, Malik Al Nasir, and a special conversation between Mark Kermode and Jenny Nelson
It’s shaping up to be a weekend of unforgettable stories, big ideas, and creative inspiration. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets now!
FOLKESTONE’S FIRST ILLUSTRATION FESTIVAL
6th – 9th November I Folkestone, Kent
Folkestone is about to get a whole lot more animated—literally. This November, the seaside town will host its very first Illustration Festival, and leading the creative charge is none other than Chris Shepherd, the acclaimed director, writer, and illustrator known for his boundary-pushing work in animation and storytelling. From whimsical sketches to bold visual narratives, the Folkestone Illustration Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of the drawn line in all its forms. Set against the backdrop of Folkestone’s Creative Quarter and coastal charm, the four-day event will feature exhibitions, live drawing sessions, workshops, talks, and pop-up installations that bring illustration to life.
At Folkestone, Shepherd will be part of a panel on the 8th November with Astrid Goldsmith, offering audiences a rare glimpse into his creative process. Expect candid insights, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and reflections on how illustration fuels his storytelling. He’ll also be leading a masterclass on visual narrative, perfect for aspiring illustrators and animators looking to sharpen their craft. To find out more go to their insta.
SE LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL
9th November I Morocco Bound, London
We’re thrilled to announce that Chris will be joining the lineup at this year’s SE London BookFest. A vibrant celebration of literature held in South East London, with a powerful mission to support local food banks.
This year’s festival features an incredible roster of authors, including:
- Diane Abbott
- Jimi Famurewa
- Robert Elms
- Vince Cable
- Evie Wyld
- Diana Evans
Don’t Miss Out! Many events offer limited free tickets, but they’re going fast. So be sure to book yours ASAP. You can also help sustain the festival’s community impact by making a donation: tiny.cc/selfunding
Chris’s Event Details Catch Chris live at Morocco Bound (London Bridge) — a cozy, bookish venue perfect for an inspiring conversation. It is happening at 2pm on the 9th November. Book your ticket for Chris’s event here. Browse the full festival listings here.
HAVEN’T READ ANFIELD ROAD YET?
Now’s the perfect time to dive in. This groundbreaking work continues to captivate readers, push artistic boundaries, and leave a lasting mark on the literary world. Buy your copy here.
Or perhaps watch a live reading?
