Ilkley Literature Festival: a beacon of poetry and literary excellence celebrates 50th anniversary

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Ilkley Literature Festival, the longest-established literary festival in the North. The festival, steeped in a rich poetic tradition, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. From 6th to 22nd October, the small Yorkshire spa town of Ilkley will bathe in the glow of literary fervor, hosting around 100 author events spanning over 17 days. This year’s headline acts flawlessly blend the old and the new, featuring celebrated authors like Jacqueline Wilson, Jeanette Winterson, Clare Balding, Simon Armitage, Gyles Brandreth, and Monica Ali. The lineup also brings laughter and lightness with comedian Shaparak Khorsandi and presenters Melanie Sykes, Helen Skelton, Anton Du Beke, and Ray Mears. A good number of journalists will be sharing insights from their latest books, including Gavin Esler, Luke Harding, Samuel Kasumu, Tim Marshall, James Naughtie, Grace Dent and Polly Toynbee. International literary stars have also graced the event, with Bryan Washington, winner of the 2020 International Dylan Thomas Prize, making his first ever in-person event in the UK at Ilkley to discuss his latest novel, “Family Meal.” C Pam Zhang, whose novel “How Much of These Hills Is Gold” was named one of Barack Obama’s favourite reads in 2020, will be talking about her latest book, “Land of Milk and Honey.” Founded in 1973 by the revered poet W.H. Auden, Ilkley Literature Festival has consistently championed poetry, hosting performances from illustrious poets including Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes, and Carol Ann Duffy. This year, it continues its legacy by providing a platform for new and emerging poets…. Read More