HuddLitFest Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Arts Council Backing and Landmark 2026 Programme

Get ready for a massive celebration of stories, because the Huddersfield Literature Festival is turning twenty, and it’s planning a proper party. Imagine all the excitement of a music festival, but with brilliant authors, hilarious comedians, and mind-bending poets instead of bands. This isn't just any birthday; for its 20th anniversary in 2026,

HuddLitFest is rolling out an incredible programme of events, all thanks to a huge vote of confidence and a grant of nearly £50,000 from Arts Council England. This funding means the festival can go bigger than ever, bringing a fantastic mix of arts and culture to Huddersfield for a real celebration of literature and reading.

A birthday bash for book lovers

Mark your calendars for 6 - 17 May 2026, because that's when the magic happens. The Huddersfield Literature Festival, or HuddLitFest as it's known, is an award-winning event for a reason. For its 20th anniversary, the entire festival programme is inspired by the theme 'Twenty'. This landmark anniversary is a huge deal, showing just how much the festival has grown from its beginnings into a major event for the town. The support from the Arts Council is a game-changer, allowing the organisers to put together a schedule packed with amazing events, workshops, and community projects. It’s a chance for everyone in Huddersfield to get involved in a top-tier literature festival right on their doorstep.

So, who's on the guest list?

The line-up for the 20th anniversary festival is looking seriously impressive, with a little something for everyone. It’s a brilliant mix of bestselling authors, famous comedians, and inspiring poets. Here’s a little taste of what the programme has in store:

• An evening with Ardal O’Hanlon: You might know him as the clueless but lovable Dougal from Father Ted, but he's also a fantastic stand-up comedian and a bestselling novelist. Expect an evening of pure laughter and sharp wit at Huddersfield Town Hall.

• In conversation with Val McDermid: If you love a good thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page, you won't want to miss this. Val McDermid is known as the "Queen of Crime" for a reason, and hearing her talk about her gripping stories is a must for any fan of the genre.

• The ‘Chocolat’ Experience: This sounds delicious. Joanne Harris, the author of the famous book Chocolat (which was turned into that brilliant film with Johnny Depp), is teaming up with master chocolatier David Greenwood-Haigh. It will be a treat for the senses and a dream event for book and chocolate lovers alike.

• Poetry performances: Get ready for some powerful words. The festival will feature performances from its own patron, the incredible Lemn Sissay, as well as the UK's Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. These are two of the biggest names in modern poetry.

• An evening with Sunny Ormonde: Fans of the long-running radio show The Archers will know her as the voice of the outrageous Lilian Bellamy. This is a chance to hear from the actor behind the iconic character.

• A major arts and culture talk: For those curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the world of arts, Darren Henley, the CEO of Arts Council England, will be giving a talk about the state of arts and culture today.

More than just big names

While the headliners are fantastic, the HuddLitFest programme goes much deeper. It’s not just about sitting and listening; it’s about thinking, discussing, and even debating. The festival will also host events that look at politics and what's happening in the world, with guests including former politician Vince Cable and author Brian Groom. There will even be a fresh look at the work of the legendary local author Emily Brontë, seeing her classic stories in a new light.

This commitment to diverse topics ensures the festival is a platform for important conversations, led by insightful cultural commentators. Plus, some of the most popular events are making a return. The Polari LGBTQ+ Literary Salon will be back, offering a unique and celebratory space for literature, as will the super-exciting HuddLitFest Poetry Slam, where poets battle it out on stage. It's loud, it's fun, and it's a brilliant display of raw talent.

Kicking off careers and inspiring kids

A huge part of what makes this literature festival so special is its dedication to finding and supporting new talent. The 20 New Voices initiative gives emerging writers a platform to perform and get their work noticed. It’s all about creating opportunities and helping the next generation of authors and poets find their feet. The festival's focus on nurturing new voices is one of its most important contributions to the world of literature.

And it's not just for the grown-ups! The anniversary celebration has a fantastic lineup of events for younger audiences. From story sessions with the colourful Elmer the Elephant to exciting Spider-Man readings, there's plenty to capture the imagination. Kids can get creative in illustration workshops with the talented Chris Mould or join children's author Jane Riordan for a special celebration of 100 years of the much-loved Winnie-the-Pooh. The festival is also backing the National Year of Reading 2026, aiming to get people of all ages excited about picking up a book. By working with local partners, the festival is making sure its events reach and inspire young people across the community, fostering a lifelong love of reading.

At the heart of the community

At its core, the Huddersfield Literature Festival is all about bringing people together. It’s built on a foundation of accessibility and making sure everyone feels welcome. Festival Director Michelle Hodgson summed it up perfectly:

“Reaching our 20th anniversary is a huge milestone for HuddLitFest. This funding allows us to celebrate with an ambitious programme that brings major cultural figures to Huddersfield, while continuing to support new voices, young people and local communities. Accessibility and participation remain at the heart of everything we do.”

This commitment is clear in everything the festival does. Many events are free or low-cost, and the organisers work hard to make sure venues are accessible to everyone. The festival’s Schools Programme is a huge success, having engaged with over 4,000 pupils in 2025 alone. This isn't just a series of events; it’s a year-round effort to embed arts and culture into the life of the town. The 20th anniversary of HuddLitFest is more than a birthday; it's a celebration of two decades of stories, ideas, and community in Huddersfield.