The Ilkley Literature Festival 2026 launches today and there are multiple treats in store from the north’s longest-running literary festival. Whatever your interests, the festival should have you covered!
Erica Morris, chief executive of Word Up North, the producer of Ilkley Literature Festival, said: “Ilkley Literature Festival attracts nationally and internationally acclaimed writers every year, but with such a wealth of home-grown literary talent here in Yorkshire, we are proud to champion local writers too. This year one third of the authors appearing at the festival are from, live in or have strong connections to Yorkshire which is pretty remarkable. Having been part of the cultural fabric of the county for over fifty years, we know how important events like ours are in inspiring new generations and demonstrating that Yorkshire’s writers stand amongst the best in the world.”
From Yorkshire to the world
Climb on board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – the world most-visited heritage railway – with the person who’s been its custodian for over 30 years. Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton has been working on the NYMR since he left school and now leads the team maintaining and running it. The star of Channel 4’s Steam Train Diaries will share hilarious and heartwarming stories from the historic railway and of the dedicated staff and volunteers who keep its wheels turning. (11 October, 12pm midday. Details here)
Hull’s own Nancy Birtwhistle came to fame by winning The Great British Bake Off in 2014. Since then, motivated by protecting the planet for her ten grandchildren, Birtwhistle decided to change how she used plastic, single use products and chemicals in her home. Her effective suggestions of swaps and natural cleaning methods have inspired millions to switch to eco-friendly options. She comes to Ilkley to discuss her latest book, Clean Magic. Essential for anyone looking to reduce the number of pollutant ingredients in their home. (4 October, 2:30pm. Details here)
Keighley’s own Shahnaz Ahsan is an author, columnist and award- winning food writer. Her new book, The Jackfruit Chronicles, is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the unique flavours and captivating history of Bengali food. Ahsan beautifully weaves together her family’s recipes and cherished memories; from an array of curries to happy ending desserts, recipes include sour tomato broth, jackfruit kofta curry, cardamom-infused vermicelli pudding, fish with clementine peels, and much more. A heartful love letter to family, food and Bangladesh. (10 October, 6:15pm. Details here)
The best of Yorkshire poetry and fiction
Ian McMillan, one of Britain’s most treasured living poets, returns to Ilkley with his new collection, Red River Valley. Writing from family life, everyday surrealism, and the effect of austerity on the village near Barnsley where he’s lived all his life, McMillan plays with language and form, writing for the page and the ear at the same time. After all these years as a writer and broadcaster, he’s still trying to find his voice; maybe it’s in Red River Valley, his dad’s favourite song. (16 October, 7pm. Details here)
Novelist Fiona Mozley grew up in the city of York and was Booker Prize-shortlisted with her debut novel, Elmet. Her latest book, Awake Awake, is narrated by Mary Mooney – also a novelist, also from York, and whose first book is also shortlisted for a major prize. Mary is struggling with her memory. She has not too few recollections but too many. The most concerning are about her Jewish grandfather and his role in the death of Adolf Hitler. She feels sure that what she has been told can’t be true – yet there remains a doubt. (10 October, 1:15pm. Details here)
Simon Armitage returns to Ilkley Literature Festival to launch his exhilarating new verse translation of the ancient epic poem Gilgamesh. The Poet Laureate has spent over a decade working on this new version of Gilgamesh, which originated in Ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, combining compelling verse with commentary and context. Whilst taking us back to the very origins of civilisation and storytelling, Armitage immerses us in a very modern story of Gilgamesh’s desperate quest for immortality, through a series of extraordinary adventures. (17 October, 7:30pm. Details here).
A host of exciting events to come
And this year, in the National Year of Reading, the festival is shining a spotlight on story craft with a number of events, including John Yorke who certainly knows what makes a compelling story. His resume includes head of Channel Four Drama, controller of BBC Drama Production, a lecturer on all forms of narrative and author of groundbreaking bestseller, Into the Woods, which revolutionised our understanding of story structure. His new book, Trip to the Moon, provides a piercingly insightful analysis of the power of stories not just in art and culture but also in the wider world of politics and current affairs. (4 October, 3:45pm. Details here).
There are many more events to choose from – including interviews with award-winning novelists such as Kate Atkinson and Joanne Harris, panel discussions with contemporary bestsellers like Oyinkan Braithwaite and Tom Hindle, chances to meet your new favourite debut novelist, and reading group discussions of classic books.
Novelist Jasper Fforde reveals the final instalment in the bookish adventures of his literary detective, Thursday Next. Characters from classic childhood tales are the focus of Michelle Anya Anjirbag (Cinderella) and Melanie Ramdarshan Bold‘s (Paddington Bear) cultural histories. Broadcaster Matthew Sweet delves into the surprising life and extensive back catalogue of romance novelist Barbara Cartland.
“Always a landmark occasion in the literary year, an ongoing success with a proud history.” – Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate
Ilkley Literature Festival runs from 2–18 October 2026.
Original article sent in by Emma Finnigan PR for Ilkley Literature Festival, adjusted for Yorkshire Bylines
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