readings BLUE CAT CAFE, Shaw Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport. Second Thurs in the month at 8.00pm, free. Ring 0161 432 2117.

MANCHESTER POETRY FESTIVAL, various venues in Manchester. Runs from October 5 to October 14 and features poets from Bolton Claire Pollard, Hovis Presley and Steven Blyth. Claire and Steven will appear at A Night at Matt and Phred's Jazz Cafe, Oldham Street, Manchester on Saturday October 7, 7pm to 9pm. Hovis Presley appearing at Poetry at the Buzz, Southern Hotel, Nell Lane, Chorlton, Thursday October 12, 8pm.