What Fundraising Events Are Happening At The Huddersfield Literature Festival This October?

Ever wondered what it takes to keep a brilliant local festival going? It turns out, it’s a lot of hard work, especially when money for the arts is getting tighter. The Huddersfield Literature Festival, a real gem in the town's cultural crown, is getting ready for its massive 20th anniversary in 2026. But to make it the best celebration ever, it needs a bit of help from its friends and neighbours. The team at HuddLitFest has come up with a plan, announcing two fantastic fundraising events this October to help gather the necessary funds. It’s all about making sure the festival can keep bringing big-name authors, supporting new talent, and running amazing programmes for the whole community, including local schools.

The challenge of keeping the arts alive

Let's be honest, finding money for cultural activities isn't easy these days. It’s a challenge faced by many organisations dedicated to the arts. For the Huddersfield Literature Festival, securing funds is a year-round job that has become particularly tough. The festival is a massive part of the local community, but without enough support, putting on the high-quality, inclusive events everyone loves gets harder and harder. This isn't just about one festival; it's about preserving the creative spaces that make a town feel vibrant and connected.

The team behind HuddLitFest is known for being resourceful and dedicated. For nearly two decades, they have brought the magic of literature to the people of Yorkshire. But as they approach their 20th anniversary, they’re facing the reality that traditional funding and grants are becoming more scarce. That's why these new fundraising events are so important. They represent a direct way for the community to show its support and ensure the festival doesn't just survive, but thrives. Every ticket bought and every raffle prize won helps secure the future of this award-winning celebration of words and stories, making sure the next festival is as accessible and exciting as ever.

Festival Director Michelle Hodgson put it perfectly:

“Securing funds to support the Festival always involves a lot of hard work and this year has proved even more challenging, which is why we are holding these fundraising events. We hope that local audiences will support these events, so that we can continue to bring major names to Huddersfield, support emerging talent and offer free and low-cost events at our 20th anniversary Festival next year.”

Supporting these events is more than just a fun night out; it’s an investment in the town’s cultural heart.

Get your thinking caps on for a quiz night

Right then, who loves a good quiz? On Thursday 2 October, a special Quiz Night & Festival Fundraiser is taking place at Sons of the North in Armitage Bridge. Kicking off at 6pm, it’s the perfect chance to get a team of four together and put that general knowledge to the test. It's not just about the glory of winning, though. The ticket price of £40 per team goes directly towards supporting HuddLitFest. Think of it as flexing your brain for a brilliant cause.

And what’s a quiz night without some top-tier prizes? The raffle offers some seriously good stuff. Just imagine walking away with:

• Vouchers for Read bookshop
• Tickets for the Lawrence Batley Theatre
• Afternoon tea at Lost Property
• A bottle of wine
• A giant toy bunny (yes, really!)

These aren't just any prizes; they're a celebration of other fantastic local businesses and cultural spots. It’s a real community effort. This is one of those fundraising events that feels less like a fundraiser and more like a great night out with mates. It’s a chance to have a laugh, win something cool, and help a beloved local literature festival at the same time. The funds raised will be a major boost for the upcoming 20th anniversary celebrations.

An evening with the Yorkshire Shepherdess

If quizzes aren't your thing, how about an evening with a true Yorkshire icon? On Sunday 12 October at 4pm, Amanda Owen, better known as The Yorkshire Shepherdess, will be at Huddersfield Town Hall for a very special event. As a Huddersfield-born TV star and author, Amanda has captured the hearts of millions with her stories of life on a remote farm, raising nine children, and embracing the challenges of the Dales.

During this event, she'll be sharing heartwarming and funny tales about her incredible life. It’s a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about her journey as a sheep farmer and her latest project: renovating an old farmhouse into a new family home. This is more than just a talk; it’s a glimpse into a life that is both extraordinary and deeply relatable. Her stories of resilience, family, and connecting with nature are sure to be inspiring. The event is a major part of the HuddLitFest fundraising efforts, and early bird ticket offers are available from the Town Hall box office. Getting a ticket means you’re in for a fantastic afternoon while also providing crucial support for the arts in your community.

Why HuddLitFest is so special

So, what makes the Huddersfield Literature Festival stand out? Well, for starters, it’s an award-winning festival for a reason. It has a whole cabinet of awards and nominations, which shows just how much of an impact it has. It was the Winner of the Accessible & Inclusive award at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards in 2022 and has been a finalist multiple times since. This isn't just a trophy; it proves the festival's deep commitment to making the arts accessible for everyone.

What does 'accessible and inclusive' actually mean in practice? It means the festival offers a huge range of events, with many being free or low-cost. It means providing things like live subtitling so more people can enjoy the author talks. It means choosing venues that are easy to get into and providing Access Guides. HuddLitFest champions diversity and makes a real effort to showcase writers and artists from under-represented groups. This commitment makes it a truly community-focused festival. From its dedicated Schools Programme to its innovative wellbeing projects, every part of the festival is designed to bring people together and celebrate the power of literature and the arts. The HuddLitFest is a major fixture on the town's cultural calendar, and with continued support, its 20th anniversary promises to be the best yet.