Jackie Kay: A Life in Poetry and Protest

Festival favourite Jackie Kay (Red Dust Road) returns to celebrate her new poetry collection May Day. From Reclaim the Streets to Pride to Greenham Common to Black Lives Matter, Jackie traces a line in protest. It’s a line that connects her life to that of her beloved parents who were committed socialists and trade unionists, but it’s also a line that reminds us to stand in solidarity and take action rather than despair. Jackie is a heartwarming, funny and engaging performer. Prepare to feel uplifted and defiant!

Jackie is a poet, novelist and writer of short stories. Her poetry collections include Fiere and Bantam. Her memoir Red Dust Road was adapted for the stage by Tanika Gupta and premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival. Her novel, Trumpet, won the Guardian Fiction Prize. From 2016 to 2021 she was the third modern Makar, the National Poet for Scotland. Hosted by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. Presented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.