As the leaves turn and autumn settles over the picturesque spa town of Ilkley, the longest-running literature festival in the north of England opens its doors once again.
Now in its 51st year, the Ilkley Literature Festival, which began on Friday, 4 October, promises a rich tapestry of events and discussions that will captivate and inspire literature lovers from across the UK.
Spanning 17 days and featuring around 90 events, the festival will take place at the historic King’s Hall and various venues throughout Ilkley, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with a diverse array of voices and ideas. From novelists and poets to journalists and historians, this year’s festival lineup is as eclectic as it is impressive.
Among the highlights of the opening weekend is an appearance by Caroline Lucas, the former leader of the Green Party. Lucas will delve into the complex themes of national identity and reclaiming Englishness from the clutches of aggressive nationalism in her thought-provoking talk, “Another England.”
The King’s Hall will also host Adrian Chiles, the former presenter of The One Show, who will share his unique insights and humorous takes on British life. Drawing from his popular Guardian columns, Chiles is sure to entertain and provoke thought in equal measure.
Adding to the dynamic lineup is Vanessa Kisuule, an award-winning slam poet and dedicated Michael Jackson fan, who will explore the highs and lows of fandom in an engaging conversation about hero worship. Meanwhile, journalist Paul Caruana Galizia will offer a poignant account of his family’s ongoing quest for justice following the assassination of his mother, Daphne Caruana Galizia, in his event “A Death in Malta.”
The festival is not just about prose and discussion; it boasts a rich history of promoting poetry, dating back to its inaugural event in 1973, opened by none other than WH Auden. This year’s poetry program is especially vibrant, featuring luminaries such as former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay. Other notable poets include Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa, known for her innovative blend of poetry and dance, and Ted Hughes Prize winner Raymond Antrobus, whose latest work has been shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry.
In keeping with its tradition of fostering new talent, the festival will also introduce the New Northern Poets—six emerging voices selected for this year’s cohort. These poets will participate in various events and showcase their work, continuing the festival’s legacy of nurturing fresh literary talent.
With 24 events already sold out, including appearances by Patrick Grant, Theresa May, Gyles Brandreth, and Dame Harriet Walter, the festival is poised for another successful year. Erica Morris, the festival director, expressed her excitement: “We can’t wait to welcome readers and audiences to experience this wealth of incredible writers – novelists, poets, journalists, historians, political commentators, essayists, and children’s authors. We hope people will join in, be inspired, and enjoy a raft of contemporary ideas, debate, and discussion from ethics of AI to the history of Britpop.”
For poetry enthusiasts, the festival offers a special treat with the free poetry networking event, “Informal Verse,” on Sunday, 13 October, allowing poets and verse-lovers to connect over drinks and nibbles.
As Ilkley Literature Festival embarks on its 51st chapter, it continues to be a beacon for literary exploration and cultural engagement, inviting all who attend to immerse themselves in the power of words and ideas.
Ilkley Literature Festival takes place in venues across the town, 4-20 October. For the full programme go to www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk