Hosted by The Birmingham Dispatch.

It’s not every day a local poet and academic lands on the shortlist for the world’s most prestigious literary prize with a novel about a man sitting inside a giant bag. But then again, Birmingham has always done things a little differently.

Luke Kennard, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham, has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2026 for Black Bag - his brilliantly absurdist,"off-kilter love story". Up against previous Booker winners like Marlon James and Douglas Stuart, Luke is flying the flag for Second City storytelling on the international stage, with the final winner set to be crowned this upcoming November.

To celebrate this monumental milestone, The Dispatch is hosting an exclusive evening featuring an in-depth conversation with the author himself.

On Thursday 22nd October, join us at The Actress & Bishop as Luke sits down with The Dispatch founding editor, Kate Knowles, to unpack the madness, heart, and hilarious social commentary behind one of the year's most talked-about books. Afterwards, stick around to grab a drink, chat with the team, and celebrate a massive moment for Brum’s literary scene. There might be an opportunity to have your Black Bag books signed by Luke.

SPEAKERS

• Luke Kennard: Booker Prize-shortlisted author, poet, and Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham.
• Kate Knowles: Founding Editor of The Dispatch.

EVENT SCHEDULE

• 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Doors Open
• 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: In-Conversation with Luke Kennard & Audience Q&A
• 8:00 PM Onwards: Post-Event Book Signings, Drinks & Chin Wag (Join The Dispatch team and fellow readers at the bar)

TICKET OPTIONS & PRICING

• General Admission: £6.00
• Dispatch Member Admission: £3.00

DETAILS AND LOCATION

• Date: Thursday 22nd October 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
• Venue: The Actress & Bishop, 36 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham, B3 1EH (Conveniently located a short walk from both New Street and Snow Hill stations)

Please take your seat by 6:20 PM so we can begin promptly at 6:30 PM.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Purchasing a ticket will automatically sign you up to The Dispatch free mailing list, receiving our local reporting and event updates straight to your inbox.

By attending, you consent to being photographed. If you prefer not to be photographed and would like to opt out, please email us in advance at info@millmediaco.uk or notify our team at the registration desk upon arrival.

ACCESSIBILITY 

If you have any specific access requirements, travel queries, or require reserved seating, please contact us at info@millmediaco.uk prior to the event so we can best accommodate your needs.

JOIN THE DISPATCH 

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