We’re delighted to welcome to the main stage Arji Manuelpillai, Jerwood Arvon Prize-winner and author of the powerful collection, Improvised Explosive Device. A fascinating project as well as a moving, ambitious poetry collection, the book emerged from research and interviews with sociologists and former members of extremist political groups, including British fascist organisations and ISIS. Award-winning poet, critic and essayist Theresa Muñoz work also tackles the hard questions of home and belonging, of migration, family and cultural dissonance in her two homes of Vancouver and Edinburgh. These poets navigate with wit and unflinching curiosity some of the most complex and painful questions of contemporary life in this country.

Arji Manuelpillai is a poet, performer and creative facilitator based in London. For over 15 years, he has worked with community arts projects nationally and internationally. Theresa Muñoz is a poet and researcher, winner of the Muriel Spark Centenary award and a RLS Fellowship.