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News • July 16th, 2026
|The 2026 Bradford Literature Festival has made headlines by attracting over 200,000 visitors, marking it as a record-breaking year for the event. Spanning ten days from July 6 to July 15, the festival was packed with a total of 762 events, featuring a diverse array of cultural programming that appealed to audiences both locally and internationally.
Record Attendance
This year, the festival welcomed an impressive 201,674 visitors, showcasing its growing popularity. The events ranged from literary discussions to family-friendly activities, all designed to engage and inspire attendees. The festival has become known for its inclusive approach, aiming to foster conversation and understanding among different communities.
Panel discussion at Bradford Literature Festival with four speakers on stage
Two men in suits engaged in discussion on stage with blue curtains
Author signing book for young girl at literature festival
Three people conversing on stage, seated on blue velvet chairs
Man speaking at Bradford Literature Festival with raised hand
Families enjoying fountains in Bradford city park under blue sky
Four men in discussion on stage with blue chairs and dark backdrop
Children sitting on cobblestone street enjoying a sunny festival
Children playing in fountains beside historic building with red sculptureHighlight Events and Speakers
Some of the most notable figures at this year’s festival included acclaimed authors and speakers such as Misan Harriman, Fatima Bhutto, David Larbi, and Prue Leith. Each contributed to a rich tapestry of discussions that reflected the festival's commitment to tackling important societal issues.
Jeremy Corbyn participated in a sold-out event discussing his book, "The Gaza Tribunal: Britain’s Complicity in Genocide," where he highlighted the significance of cultural solidarity in political matters.
Fatima Bhutto shared her personal journey in her memoir, "The Hour of the Wolf," discussing themes of resilience and family.
Lemn Sissay closed the festival with an emotional presentation on family stories, part of his 'Tell Me Something About Family' project.
Engaging Discussions
The festival also featured thought-provoking debates on various pressing topics. For example, historians Marc David Baer and Peter Oborne discussed the importance of Jewish-Muslim relations in combating the rise of far-right ideologies. Their talk, based on Baer’s book "Children of Abraham," emphasised the need for unity among different faiths.
Additionally, Alexandra Pringle and Amy Abdelnoor explored the power of empathy through literature, while Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani addressed the complex realities of state collapse and its humanitarian impacts.
Art, Music, and Expression
The festival also shone a light on the arts as a means of communication. Bradley Riches, a star from the series "Heartstopper," shared his personal story of growing up non-verbal until the age of ten, and how drama helped him find his voice. This theme of using art to express oneself was echoed throughout various events, including discussions on music as a form of protest.
Musicians and writers such as John Robb and Dave Randall highlighted the role of music in collective action, reinforcing the idea that art can serve as a powerful tool for change. The festival also featured an exhibition of works by artists Zainab Al Shibani and Wadha Al-Athba, celebrating storytelling and linguistic performance.
Community and Family Focus
Throughout the festival, the themes of community, family, and hope resonated strongly. Events like the immersive discussion on the oral traditions of Karbala showcased how cultural practices are passed down through generations. The festival’s founder, Syima Aslam, remarked on the festival's mission: “Culture is not a luxury. It is a necessity.” This sentiment reflects the festival's aim to create a space where people can share their stories and experiences.
