Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • August 13th, 2026
|The 2026 Ilkley Literature Festival is set to be an exciting event for book lovers and literary enthusiasts alike, with a fantastic line-up of authors and speakers. Taking place over 17 days from Friday 2 October to Sunday 18 October, this year’s festival will bring together a diverse range of writers, thinkers, and entertainers, many of whom have strong ties to Yorkshire.
Festival Highlights
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The festival, which has been running since 1973 and is the longest-running literary festival in the north, will feature well-known names such as Simon Armitage, the Poet Laureate, and Kate Atkinson, a celebrated novelist. Other notable participants include journalist and presenter Samira Ahmed, sports commentator and author Judy Murray, and renowned comedian and poet Brian Bilston.
Erica Morris, Chief Executive of Word Up North, the organisation behind the festival, expressed excitement about the upcoming event:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming some of today’s most exceptional writers, thinkers and entertainers to Yorkshire this autumn. The festival has been encouraging curiosity, open dialogues, and a shared love of words for over half a century.”
Special Events and Themes
This year, the festival will celebrate the National Year of Reading, placing readers at the heart of its programme. A series of book club-style events, known as the Page Turners Classic Fiction Club, will explore timeless novels from Wuthering Heights to The Wasp Factory. This initiative aims to engage both seasoned readers and newcomers, encouraging everyone to share their love of literature.
Throughout the festival, various themes will be explored, including:
Investigative journalism
The impact of technology on human behaviour
Biology and nature
Writers discussing their craft
Notable Speakers and Their Works
Some highlights from the programme include:
Andrew Davies, known for his adaptations of classic literature, will open the festival discussing his memoir, An Unsuitable Boy.
Dame Margaret Hodge will share insights from her political career in her memoir, Battleaxe.
Zahra Joya, an Afghan journalist, will discuss her fight for women’s rights in The Vanishing Girl of Kabul.
Rachael Stirling will talk about her mother, the iconic actress Diana Rigg, in a new memoir.
Mark Foster, a five-time Olympian, will share his inspiring journey in My Double Life.
Poetry and Performances
Poetry lovers will not be disappointed, with events featuring:
Simon Armitage reading from his new translation of the ancient epic Gilgamesh.
Brian Bilston presenting his new collection, How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside.
A reunion of poets Emily Zobel Marshall, Kim Moore, Antony Dunn, and Daljit Nagra for a discussion and performance.
Pam Ayres discussing her latest book, Doggedly Onward: A Life in Poems.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the festival will go on general sale on Tuesday 25 August, with priority bookings available for Friends of the Festival from Wednesday 19 August. For those interested in attending, it’s advisable to book early to secure a spot at popular events.
The official bookseller for the festival will be The Grove Bookshop, ensuring that attendees can purchase their favourite books and perhaps discover new ones during the event.
A Warm Yorkshire Welcome
With its beautiful setting in the historic spa town of Ilkley, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, the festival promises a warm welcome to all. Visitors can enjoy independent shops, riverside walks, and the famous Betty's Tea Rooms while soaking in the literary atmosphere.
The Ilkley Literature Festival is not just a celebration of books; it's an opportunity for the community to come together, share ideas, and foster a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
As Erica Morris stated:
“From dedicated fans to first-time readers, you can be sure of a warm Yorkshire welcome at Ilkley Literature Festival.”
