Bradford Literature Festival, Europe’s most extensive and diverse literary celebration, returns this summer from 28 June to 7 July, 2024. Marking its tenth anniversary, the festival promises over 500 events, including special exhibitions and an eclectic programme designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Headlining this year’s festival are renowned figures such as historian Mary Beard, singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay, beloved actress Miriam Margolyes, and Islamic scholar Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. The festival also features comedians Ruby Wax, Shaparak Khorsandi, and Sara Pascoe, alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, poet Joelle Taylor, vicar and journalist Kate Bottley, and many more.
Founded by Syima Aslam in 2014, the Bradford Literature Festival has grown into a premier international event, celebrated for its innovative and inclusive approach. Aslam, a Yorkshire native, leveraged her background in regeneration and data-led marketing to launch the festival, aiming to foster a cultural renaissance in Bradford, Europe’s youngest city.
“From the outset, Bradford Literature Festival’s aim was to create tangible change; to raise aspirations and literacy levels by creating an international destination literature festival that would inspire the next generation,” says Aslam. “We’ve been called innovative and disruptive and are now recognised as Europe’s most diverse and eclectic literature festival.”
The festival’s diverse programming includes the popular Sacred Music event, Lyrical Mehfil, and Northern Noir at the Bar. A special exhibition will commemorate the festival’s decade-long journey. Additionally, the world-renowned Orchestral Qawwali Project returns following their sold-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Bradford Literature Festival also boasts the UK’s largest Education Programme, offering free access to leading writers, poets, illustrators, and more. Themes this year range from Ancient Egypt to Climate Change, ensuring a broad and engaging educational experience for children and young people across Yorkshire.
On 27 June, 2024, the festival will host the Creative Economic Conference (CEC) at the University of Bradford, featuring influential minds from business, politics, and the creative industries. McKinsey will present their report, “The Arts in the UK: Seeing the Big Picture,” exploring the intersection of business and creativity to drive regional and national economic growth.
For more details and to explore the full programme, visit bradfordlitfest.co.uk.
