In the tradition of Charles Dickens, award-winning writer and acclaimed author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? and Frankissstein, Jeanette Winterson has for years written a new story at Christmas time. Twelve of her brilliantly imaginative, funny, and bold tales were published as Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days in 2018, and she returns to the occasion this year, to read a story and talk about her work with poet John McAuliffe in the setting of the Grade-I listed, neo-Gothic building, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, on Deansgate, Manchester.

The event marks the launch of Creative Manchester’s ‘Solstice and Equinox series’, and inaugurates a new series of events which brings innovative creative artists to The University of Manchester’s four Cultural Institutions. Each of our unique cultural institutions – the Whitworth, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Museum and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre – focus on building civic, national and international partnerships to advance the social, environmental and individual wellbeing of our communities.

The event takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday 15 December at the Rylands, Deansgate, and will be preceded by a festive drinks reception at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

Booking information:

Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite. You can register to attend in-person or to watch via livestream.

The event is FREE, but we do ask if you would consider giving a donation to the Manchester Youth Zone. Based in North Manchester, in one of the most deprived areas in England, they provide a unique, safe place for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to raise their aspirations and enjoy healthier, happier lives.

If you would like to donate, you can do so via Total Giving

Please note there are a limited number of in person tickets available, but the event will be livestreamed and recorded, and made accessible shortly afterwards.

Image credit: one of the most beautiful Renaissance manuscripts of The University of Manchester Library is a copy of Christianus Prolianus’ scientific treatise, Astronomia, produced in Naples around 1478 (Latin MS 53)

“Solstice and Equinox Series” with Jeanette Winterson CBE