Andrew McMillan - hive & a brief history of the species

Poet Andrew McMillan was commissioned by Manchester Literature Festival to write two poems in celebration of the Festival's 20th anniversary in autumn 2025. The two poems, hive and a brief history of the species, were first performed at a special launch event for the Festival's From Page to Stage photography exhibition in the Wolfson Reading Room at Manchester Central Library, which featured intimate portraits of some of the brilliant writers and other artists who have appeared at MLF over the past two decades.

Andrew McMillan is the author of the novel Pity and three acclaimed poetry collections: physical (the first ever poetry collection to win The Guardian First Book Award), playtime (winner of the inaugural Polari Prize) and pandemonium.

You can download a copy of hive and a brief history of the species by clicking on the link opposite.