Once again in 2024 we will be hosting workshops, talks and performances over two areas, the Coal Store Conference Room (upstairs, accessible by lift) and the Learning Zone Education Space (off the main hall).
We’re still confirming talks and timings, this is the list as of 17th October.
Coal Store (upstairs)
11am-12noon
Just Added: Uncovering Anarchist Print Culture
Working Class Movement Library
An introduction to the anarchist archive at the Working Class Movement Library, exploring how evolving print technologies democratised print production, transforming the movement by shaping its output, values, and aesthetics. This session will offer participants the opportunity to reflect on their own formative experiences with anarchist print media and to delve into the library’s extensive anarchist archive.
12noon-1pm
Fight For A New Normal? Anarchism and mutual aid in the Covid-19 pandemic crisis – book launch!
Jim Donaghey
What do you remember about the Covid-19 pandemic crisis? And what have you forgotten? Do you remember, in the midst of it all, our adamant refusal to ever ‘return to normal’? Maybe the ‘old normal’ hasn’t returned, but the ‘new normal’ foisted upon us by the state and capital is a far cry from any anarchists’ aspirations. Do you remember, in the face of catastrophe, the sudden failure of the flimsy neoliberal state? Have you forgotten the thousands of mutual aid groups that formed in response? Do you remember how that energy was repressed and co-opted? This book aims to jolt us out of collective amnesia, reject the state-serving narrative, and blow away the clouds of jaded cynicism. These twelve chapters chart anarchist responses to the crisis and the evolving imposition of the ‘new normal’, reminding us of the critical lessons learned through the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Editor Jim Donaghey will discuss the project alongside some of the chapter contributors.
Read more about it in the Freedom Press newsletter: https://freedompress.org.uk/spring-2024-newsletter/
1pm-2pm
DIY or Die! Do-it-yourself, do-it-together & punk anarchism – book launch!
Jim Donaghey
DIY or Die! brings together a diverse collection of punks, scholars and activists to explore Do-It-Yourself and Do-It-Together production of punk culture and punk spaces. A DIY/DIT ethic has animated a wide range of punk-associated anarchist activisms, and this extensive influence is on display in the 21 chapters in this book. The relationship between anarchism and punk is explored through numerous intersecting themes, starting from the tangible anarchisms found in punk spaces, squats and social centres, and extending to a range of DIY/DIT cultural production including: films, records, and fanzines; performance art; sports clubs; and other anarchistic sites of resistance. Across the chapters, the DIY OR DIE! attitude of anarchist punks across the globe is critically examined and celebrated. Join some of the editors and contributors to find about more about the book and the wider Anarchism and Punk Book Project. For more info visit: https://anarchismandpunk.noblogs.org/book-2-diy-or-die/
2pm-3pm
Right to Roam in Action
Right to Roam Peaks and Beyond
Last year we talked about the why, this year we want to look at how. With a new government and absolutely no sign that they will introduce a right to roam, it’s time to take action. Trespass is not a criminal offence, so let’s claim our right to roam now!
We’ll start with 20 mins of q&a/discussion about the campaign, followed by some exercises to build confidence getting out. This will include a map reading/trespass planning exercise (welcome to total beginners and map fanatics) and some landowner role play if people fancy it!
3pm-4pm
Details soon.
Learning Zone Education Space (off the main hall).
10.30am-11.30am
Details soon
11.30am-12.30pm
Power and Faith in Anarchist Organising
Bad Apples Zine
Reflecting on their experiences with the Catholic Worker movement, the talk will explore the power dynamics of organising between solidarity and charity. Discuss faith as a relational practice that can enable people to bridge differences and engage with messy paradoxical situations.
12.30pm-1.30pm
The Little Red Songbook
Manchester Rad Trad
Learn the songs of the IWW, or “The Wobblies”, with Manchester radical tradition! No experience required, bring acoustic instruments if you have any, open to anyone and everyone.
Manchester Radical tradition helps trade unions and social movements learn and share the songs of their movement through workshops, sessions, and visits to picket lines.
1.30pm-2.30pm
Details soon.
2.30pm-3.30pm
What is to be done…. NOW! Developing a revolutionary strategy for the years ahead.
Material Struggle
If you take any point from the previous five or so decades and compare it to today then in terms of being closer to an anarchist and ecological world we’re in a worse situation now than we were then. So those of us that consider ourselves in favour of such a world need to admit that no matter our exact politics and activity we’ve pretty much failed and are continuing to fail.
But what might this mean in terms of what we do now? Are we revolutionaries or activists? What even is strategy? What different strategies are there and do they work? Do we even need one, isn’t it just about direct action & anarchy? If we do where and how do we organise strategically?
This will be a short talk and then an open discussion.
https://www.angryworkers.org/2024/08/24/what-is-to-be-done-now/
Please email workshop and talk ideas for consideration to manchester@bookfair.org.uk
Follow the links below for details of talks at previous bookfairs
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2023
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2022
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2021
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2019
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2018
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2017
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2016
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2014
Talks at Manchester & Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2013