Chaired by Belfast Book Festival Patron Glenn Patterson, this special event brings together novelists Wendy Erskine and Phil Harrison, and Lindsay Dube to discuss their creative work on contemporary Belfast. 

Following her renowned short-story collections, Dance Move and Sweet Home, Wendy’s polyphonic novel The Benefactors captures a cacophony of Belfast voices.  

Phil’s acclaimed novel, Silverback, journeys through Belfast courtrooms, pubs and boxing halls to explore class and masculinity. 

Lindsay is the creator and producer of Black, Northern Irish and Proud and Born in Belfast: A Hip Hop Story, projects that highlight identity, culture, and untold stories through film and music.

Meet the Panellists

Wendy Erskine is the author of two prize-winning short-story collections, Sweet Home and Dance Move. She edited the anthology well I just kind of like it about art in the home. She is a frequent broadcaster and interviewer, and works as a secondary school teacher in Belfast. Her debut novel, The Benefactors, was longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize, and shortlisted for best novel at the Irish Book Awards, and best audio novel at the British Audio Awards. It was awarded Waterstones Best Irish Book of 2025. A film based on the short story Nostalgie was recently shortlisted for a BAFTA and won an IFTA.

Phil Harrison is an author and film editor based in Belfast. He has published two novels, The First Day (2017) and Silverback (2024). Recent film projects include No Mean City (2025) and Magilligan (2026).  

Lindsay Dube is a Northern Ireland-based film creator, producer, and music promoter with a diverse career spanning film, music, and community development. As the founder of L.E.G Entertainment Production Company, Lindsay has developed and produced a wide range of film and music projects, building platforms that showcase emerging talent and diverse voices. His work in the music industry includes producing platinum and gold-selling songs for various artists and managing a music company that currently distributes music for more than 20 artists from around the world. Alongside his creative work, Lindsay has been actively involved in community engagement and social impact initiatives. He has worked with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and consulted with local charities, city councils, and government organisations, contributing his experience to projects focused on youth development, inclusion, and community empowerment. Lindsay is currently focused on several film and music productions, with a particular passion for identifying, mentoring, and encouraging talent from ethnic minority backgrounds to become more involved in the film industry. He is the creator and producer of Black, Northern Irish and Proud and Born in Belfast: A Hip Hop Story, projects that highlight identity, culture, and untold stories through film and music.