The second edition of Manchester's fine music writing festival Louder Than Words is taking place this month and is packing a mighty programme. Some of the highlights over the weekend of November 14-16 at the Palace Hotel include a host of fine in-conversations - Mary-Anne Hobbs & John Robb, Tim Burgess & Will Hodgkinson, Zoë Howe & Mark Ellen, Peter Bebergal & Mark Pilkington, Edwyn Collins & Grace Maxwell, Viv Albertine & John Robb and Mick Middles & CP Lee to pick out a few - as well as panels, including journalist and NME features editor Laura Snapes presenting 'There Is No Golden Age', disavowing the over-reverence given to music journalism of yesteryear, '33 1/3, Fan Culture And Canonical Thinking', presented by the David Barker, the creator of the 33 1/3 series, and featuring authors Pete Astor and Alex Niven, and a "literary and literal celebration" of The Fall. Alongside this, there'll be appearances from Guy Garvey, Steve Ignorant and A Guy Called Gerald, and many more.

There'll be a strong showing from the Quietus as well: John Doran will be reading excerpts from his forthcoming book, Jolly Lad, before being interviewed by his fellow co-editor Luke Turner. John will also be talking to celebrated photographer Kevin Cummins and closing off Saturday night with a DJ set, while Luke will be presenting the Quietus At Leisure films on Sunday and taking part in the '... Golden Age' panel. Not only this, but they'll be presenting this year's Louder lectures, reflecting on 'How To Write About Music And Not Starve To Death In The Process' and 'How To Interview Rock Stars And Avoid Cliche Like The Plague'. For full details and tickets, head to the festival's website here.