Manchester poet Antony Szmierek is set to launch his debut book ‘Roadmap’ at this year’s Hay Festival, published by Faber Music.
The book, which features lyrics from Szmierek’s debut album alongside additional poems, sketches, stories and an ‘exploded view’ of the tracks, will be available exclusively at the festival before its public release on 29th May.
“I’m not being ironic, using a persona or wearing a mask, my music is just me expressing myself honestly,” Szmierek says. “There’s nowt to hide behind. It’s sincerity on overdrive – a space where people can connect with each other.”
The Manchester-based poet, writer and producer has seen significant success since releasing single ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Fallacy’ in 2023, which led to BBC 6 Music naming him an Artist of the Year and an appearance on Later… with Jools Holland. His debut album ‘Service Station at the End of the Universe’ arrived in February 2025.
At Hay Festival, Szmierek will perform music and participate in an In Conversation event with poet Len Pennie.
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