Bradford Literature Festival is Finalist in Regional Awards

Ever wonder what makes an event so good that it gets nominated for a massive award? Well, there’s some brilliant news from up north. The Bradford Literature Festival has officially been shortlisted as a finalist for Event of the Year in the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards 2025. That’s a pretty big deal. These awards are all about celebrating the absolute best bits of Yorkshire, the places and events that make you think, "Right, I need to go there." And for an event to be in the running, it has to be properly special, creating amazing memories for everyone who turns up. So, what’s the secret behind this much-loved festival?

So what's all the fuss about?

Okay, let's break it down. When you think of a literary festival, you might picture a quiet room with a few people listening to an author. The Bradford Literature Festival, or BLF as it's often called, is a whole different ball game. This year, the ten-day event pulled in a staggering 187,366 visitors. And they weren’t all locals, either. People came from 34 different countries, turning Bradford into a truly global hub for a week and a half. This massive gathering highlights the festival's incredible contribution to local tourism.

It’s not just about the size of the audiences, but the sheer scale of the programming. Over the ten days, 524 different artists delivered 752 separate events. That’s an unbelievable amount of creativity packed into one festival. The line-up was a fantastic mix of names you’d definitely recognise, showing the event’s incredible diversity. Just look at some of the artists who took part:

• John Cooper Clarke
• Ash Sarkar
• Jeremy Corbyn
• Reeta Chakrabarti
• Celia Imrie
• Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
• Lemn Sissay
• Grace Dent
• Steph McGovern

That’s a line-up that covers everything from poetry and politics to acting and journalism. This kind of programming is what makes the BLF a standout cultural event, not just in Yorkshire but across the globe. It's no wonder it's been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.

More than just a festival

An event on this scale does more than just entertain people for a few days. It has a real, lasting impact. And the proof is in the feedback. An incredible 99% of audiences who went to this year's festival would recommend it to their friends. Think about that, when was the last time 99% of people agreed on anything? It shows the quality of the experience BLF provides.

But it goes deeper. A huge 94% of attendees agreed that the Bradford Literature Festival improves the national reputation of both Bradford and Yorkshire. This is massive for regional tourism. It helps change perceptions and puts the city on the map for all the right reasons. Another 93% agreed that the BLF is a key player in the social, cultural, and economic regeneration of the area. With Bradford set to be the UK City of Culture in 2025, this festival is a shining example of the city’s thriving arts scene. It's a cultural cornerstone that builds community engagement and pride.

A word from the boss

The person behind this incredible success story is Syima Aslam, the CEO and Artistic Director of the Bradford Literature Festival. Unsurprisingly, she was over the moon about being shortlisted.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Bradford Literature Festival has been shortlisted for Event of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards," she said. "2025 has been an extraordinary year for Bradford and for BLF. The festival was founded to create an international destination festival; deeply local, confidently global, and reflective of the richness of our creativity, diversity, and global heritage. This recognition is a wonderful tribute to everyone who helps make BLF such a vital part of Yorkshire's cultural landscape."

Her words really get to the core of what the BLF is all about. It’s an event that celebrates its local heritage while looking out at the entire world, bringing together different cultures and ideas in one brilliant, buzzing festival.

What makes BLF stand out?

One of the most special things about the Bradford Literature Festival is how accessible it is. The team behind it is committed to making sure everyone can enjoy the arts, regardless of their budget. This is all thanks to their brilliant Ethical Ticketing Policy. What does that mean? Well, it means that tickets for events are kept at a low cost, starting from just £5. Plus, there are loads of discounts and concessions available. And best of all, all the family events are completely free.

This approach guarantees large and diverse audiences, making the festival a true community event. The diverse programming reflects this commitment to inclusivity. The festival covers all sorts, from deep dives into the Brontë sisters' literary works to laugh-out-loud comedy nights. There are recurring themes each year covering world affairs, poetry, politics, film, and more. This thoughtful programming ensures there’s something for everyone, making it a cornerstone of cultural engagement in the region. The festival is a celebration of creativity in all its forms.

So what happens next?

Now, it’s a waiting game. The winners of the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on 1 December 2025. Everyone involved with the Bradford Literature Festival will have their fingers crossed. Of course, it’s important to remember all the other amazing finalists who have been shortlisted for awards this year. It's a testament to the incredible strength of Yorkshire's tourism sector.

An event of this size simply couldn’t happen without a huge team effort. A massive shout-out has to go to all the sponsors, partners, artists, and the entire festival team. Their hard work and support are what make the BLF the leading literary and cultural event it is today. They’ve created something that not only brings joy to its audiences but also has a significant, positive impact on Bradford and the whole of Yorkshire. Good luck to all the finalists!