The Africa Writes Festival is an annual celebration of contemporary literature from Africa and the diaspora. The festival is organised by The Royal African Society and showcases established and emerging talent. It features book launches, readings, author appearances and panel discussions. Here are five things you can look forward to at the festival this weekend.

Meet The Publishers, Saturday 1^st July, 11:00 – 12:30

If you are a writer looking to get published then this event is perfect for you! You will be able to get an insight into how editors and agents identify new talent. The exciting Dragon’s Den style event will also give you a chance to present your work to a panel of industry experts and hear their honest feedback so come prepared!

Four writers will be picked at random to pitch their work to the industry experts so this might just be your lucky day. Each pitch will be 3 minutes in total, 1 minute to talk about the project and 2 minutes to read an extract from the work before hearing immediate and honest feedback on the pitch.

If you don’t have something to pitch but you’re interested in coming along to see this all happen, your presence is welcome.

*Event is included in Weekend Pass and Saturday Day Ticket

2017 Caine Prize Conversation, Saturday 1^st July, 15:15 – 16:45

The Caine Prize for African Writing is a registered charity whose aim is to bring African writing to a wider audience using the annual literary award. This event presents an exciting opportunity to listen to the 2017 shortlisted authors on a panel discussion and converse with them during the Q&A. The shortlisted authors include Lesley Nneka Arimah (Nigeria), Chikodili Emelumadu (Nigeria), Bushra al-Fadil (Sudan), Arinze Ifeakandu (Nigeria) and Magogodi OaMphela Makhene (South Africa).

*Event is included in Weekend Pass and Saturday Day Ticket

Writing Blackness: Mostly Lit LIVE at Africa Writes, Sunday 2^nd July, 15:45 – 16:45

Mostly Lit is the podcast team that has been taking the British Scene by storm! The weekly podcasts explore the intersection of literature and black culture with Alex Reads, Reckless Rai and Derek W. Join the Mostly Lit team as they interrogate black characterisation within African and Black British novels. Audience will have the opportunity to engage and challenge the topics discussed so this is not one to miss!

*Event is included in Weekend Pass and Saturday Day Ticket

The Chibok Girls by Helon Habila, Saturday 1^st July, 17:00 – 17:45

Habila investigates the ascent of Boko Haram in Nigeria and uncovers the stories of survivors and bereaved in Northern Nigeria. Reporting from inside the traumatised and blockaded community of Chibok, Helon Habila tracks down the survivors and the bereaved. Two years after the attack, he presents a comprehensive indictment of Boko Haram, and the terrible fallout of their ongoing presence in Nigeria. Chaired by Funmi Iyanda.

*Event is included in Weekend Pass and Saturday Day Ticket

Alain Mabanckou in Conversation, Sunday 2^nd July, 17:00 – 18:30, £10 / £8 / £7

The prolific Francophone Congolese poet and novelist discusses language, style and politics. Author of six volumes of poetry and six novels, including African Psycho, Broken Glass, and Memoirs of a Porcupine, Mabanckou’s writing is rich in wordplay, philosophical questions and humour.  Join him as he explores language, style and politics, and his journey as a writer beginning in Pointe-Noire. Book Now.

There are many more events on during this packed weekend, so check out the full list on the website here and book your tickets here.