A special one off Spring edition of the intellectually stimulating and gloriously eclectic wordfest, that takes place every October, to celebrate two decades of stretching our literary muscles. At venues across the city a cutting edge lineup of incredible contemporary writers will be sharing thoughts, experiences, ideas and inspiration. As always you need to hook up your brain to the full catalogue and get stuck in but there are some events that we think are unmissable. Forget secret cinema what we want is secret storytelling, at a venue that will only be revealed shortly before the performance, renowned storyteller Cat Weatherill will be presenting engaging true life stories. Luke Kennard discusses his dystopian and very current novel ‘The Transition’ with Guardian journalist Dawn Foster, there’s an illustration workshop with acclaimed artist Aleksandra Cieślak and spend ‘An Evening With An Immigrant’ in Inua Ellams‘ inspiring one man show. Other literary luminaries appearing include Xan Brooks, Lionel Shriver, Jess Phillips and Natalie Haynes. An astonishing array of heavyweight intelligentsia, be sure to plug in.

Fri 21 Apr to Sun 23 Apr at various venues www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org