BBC Contains Strong Language

Running from 24 to 27 September, the festival brings together leading poets, spoken word artists, performers and broadcasters from across the UK, alongside emerging talent from Manchester, Salford and Greater Manchester here at MediaCity.

Many events are free to book, with highlights including live recordings of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, Loose Ends, Start the Week and The Verb. The programme also includes a presentation of Simon Armitage’s adaptation of Gilgamesh, a conversation between Simon Armitage and John Cooper Clarke, and a collaboration between the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Radio 3’s Words and Music.

Other events will feature internationally recognised spoken word artists, new local voices and activities for young people, including workshops, school projects and creative sessions with Salford Youth Zone.

The festival takes place during a significant year for Salford, which is celebrating 100 years, while the BBC is marking 15 years in the city.

With poetry, performance and plenty of different voices on the programme, Contains Strong Language offers four days of events for both long-time poetry fans and anyone curious to discover something new.

Tickets are on sale now>