There was excellent organisation and a wide range of visitors

~ Bookfair Report Collective ~

The Manchester and Salford anarchist bookfair took place on Saturday 8 November at the People’s History Museum, on the banks of the river Irwell.

Among the stalls and their many reminders that more liveable and liberated worlds are possible, for the first time there was a Clifford Harper stall selling his prints and books in solidarity. It was a last minute request from the legendary anarchist, and has fundraised a bit for him—these solidarity exercises help so much and bring us all together.

Attendees were treated to excellent talks and workshops, which covered topics like Solidarity Not Charity, Wild & Wellbeing, Antifascist planning, countering reactionary tendencies, a reflection on Colin Ward’s legacy, and a conversation with former US federal inmate and prison abolitionist Eric King.

Here as elsewhere, the brave first attempt to do a hybrid workshop led to much tech drama, but a last-minute workaround saved the day.

The people’s history museum managed to supply enough coffee to cater for the tired anarchists. On the downside, the very nice café at the venue fell short on the diversity of vegan cakes, then ran out entirely on vegan options.

All together it was an excellent time, very friendly and welcoming, thank you to Manchester and Salford for @rganising a busy day.