A singer and actor, a TV host and author, a BRIT-Award-winner and a film star – Toyah has worn many hats during a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years.

You may have encountered the dynamic personality of Huey Morgan in many ways. Frontman, radio and television broadcaster, author and DJ, Huey is many things at once.

Coming to prominence as the frontman and driving force of the eclectic American rap/rock outfit Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Morgan led the band from 1993 – 2021. Best known for the hit record Scooby Snacks, Fun Lovin’ Criminals released six albums between 1996 and 2010 and sold over 10 million records.

Spandau Ballet saxophonist Steve Norman was responsible for some of the most distinctive pop melodies of all time. From his sax solo on True to the colossal hit Through The Barricades, Steve Norman toured the globe, performed at Live Aid, and helped Spandau sell 25 million albums while enjoying 23 hit singles.

Step inside the extraordinary story of one of rock’s most legendary bands with John Illsley, founding member and long-time bass player of Dire Straits.

In this intimate and entertaining evening, John will reflect on his life in music – from the early days of the band, to global superstardom, to the wild ride that followed. With insights and anecdotes only an insider could share, this Q&A-style event promises a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Explore the vexing questions posed by a Victorian haunting

This talk will examine the historic account of the haunting that occurred at the Leeds Library in the 1880s, looking at the individuals involved in the case and why in fact a librarian needed a gun!

Explore the salacious side of the Victorians!

The Sensation Novel, a popular form from the 1860s and 1870s, is a challenge to our assumptions about the Victorians. Far from being narratives about propriety and happy marriages, sensational plots are filled with crime, adultery, bigamy and misbehaviour. Join us for discussions of the key sensational novels of the 1860s-70s. You may not have heard of all the novelists, but there is a world of Victorian naughtiness to explore.   

Join us in welcoming Vasilis kostakis, author of Beyond The Final Whistle on Friday 30th May at 3pm for a special book talk and performance. Vasilis is only in Leeds for a couple of days so we’re delighted he’s found time to stop off at Left Bank whilst he’s here and tell us more about his book. Not only will you be able to hear about the book and learn more from the author but you may also be in for a mid afternoon musical treat.

Join us as we welcome back long-term friend of the bookshop Caroline Bond, writing as Rachel North. Privilege has a price but we’ll be asking ‘But who will pay it?’ as we discuss her brand new thriller described as’ creepy, compulsive and a stonking page-turner’.

About the Book

Privilege has a price. But who will pay it?

On the eve of her seventieth birthday, Geri gathers her brother’s spoilt adult children together on the family’s private island and tells them that she’s ready to name her successor as CEO of the lucrative global empire founded by their grandfather.

Discover the future of technology! Join us for a fascinating event, listen to talks from experts on computational simulations in prosthetic heart valves, AI in protein science, and AI’s role in preserving indigenous knowledge, and ask them your burning technology questions! This interactive evening will bring these cutting-edge topics to life for everyone, plus a bonus game with prizes!

The speakers: