Sathnam Sanghera | Mannington Book Bash 2026 | Friday | 5:30pm

The bestselling author of Empireland and Empireworld is back with an extraordinary new book…about George Michael!

He wrote one of the biggest hits of our age in “about an hour” in his childhood bedroom. He would go on to collaborate with some of the greatest musicians of all time​. He was a pop star who bleached his hair blonde, wore tiny shorts whilst critiquing his own image mercilessly. He lived through the AIDS crisis and one of the most homophobic periods of British history, yet when he finally came out, did so boldly and unapologetically. 

Ten years after his death, George Michael is still everywhere: the annual success of ‘Last Christmas’, new covers of his songs, and endless memes on social media.

Sathnam’s new book Tonight the Music Seems So Loud is at once a kaleidoscopic portrait of one of Britain’s most beloved musicians and an account of a turbulent period of British history. His unconventional and enthralling book explores the connection between music and politics, examines what secrecy does to the soul, and explores how fame rots the sense of self. It also joyfully celebrates one of Britain’s greatest artists in all his glory.

Sathnam will be in conversation with writer and broadcaster Nick Acheson.

• Please bring your ticket on the day. When you arrive at Mannington Hall, you’ll enter the grounds, where you’ll be asked to show your ticket. You’ll be given a coloured wristband that will give you access to what you’ve bought.
• All events will start promptly at the advertised time. Please get to the tent in good time. That way, you won’t be in a rush, and we’ll be able to get everyone seated comfortably.
• All events will be suitable for people aged 12 and up, unless otherwise specified.
• Yes, all the speakers will have books for sale! And yes, you can get your copies signed!
• Your ticket grants you access to the grounds of Mannington (over the whole long weekend).
• For transport information, please visit mannington.co.uk/book-bash/
• Any questions? Email info@mannington.co.uk or phone 01263 493275