Bradford Literature Festival Attracts Over 200,000 Visitors in 2026

Record Attendance Marks Tenth Edition of the Festival

The 2026 Bradford Literature Festival concluded this weekend after drawing a record 201,674 visitors over ten days. The festival featured 762 events spanning literature, arts, music, theatre, film, and visual art, attracting audiences from across the UK and internationally.

Festival Overview and Themes

The festival programme included a main series of events, an education programme, and family activities. It maintained a focus on community collaboration, storytelling, hope, peace, and cultural dialogue. The diverse range of events aimed to engage with historical perspectives and contemporary issues, fostering conversations across communities.

Notable Speakers and Events

• Lemn Sissay closed the festival with a special event based on his project Tell Me Something About Family, exploring family stories and identity.
• Fatima Bhutto discussed her memoir The Hour of the Wolf, reflecting on personal loss and resilience.
• Jeremy Corbyn spoke about his book The Gaza Tribunal: Britain’s Complicity in Genocide, addressing issues of accountability and international law.
• Historians Marc David Baer and Peter Oborne examined Jewish-Muslim relations and the importance of interfaith solidarity.
• Alexandra Pringle and Amy Abdelnoor discussed themes of empathy and political awakening in literature.

Geopolitical and Historical Discussions

The festival hosted debates on global affairs, including talks by Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani, Professor Paul Rogers, Salman Shaikh, and others. Topics covered state collapse, empire history, and contemporary geopolitical dynamics, with contributions from academics and diplomats such as Vince Cable and Husam Zomlot.

Art, Culture, and Disability

• Artists Zainab Al Shibani and Wadha Al-Athba exhibited works inspired by Islamic visual traditions and Arabic typography.
• Workshops and talks addressed living with disabilities, including sessions on ADHD and autism by Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas, Polly Atkin, and actor Bradley Riches.
• Musicians and writers discussed the role of music in protest and social movements, with contributions from John Robb, Dave Randall, and photographer Misan Harriman.

Technology, Democracy, and Social Media

Discussions on democracy in the digital age featured Ebrahim Rasool and Myriam François, highlighting concerns over technology’s influence on political processes. The impact of social media on youth and misinformation was debated by author Kasim Ali and Dr Elizabeth Pearson, including arguments for age restrictions on social media use.

Literature and Local Contributions

• Lectures explored literary figures such as William Blake and Agatha Christie, marking significant anniversaries.
• Bradford author A.A. Dhand launched his new crime novel The Kingpin, sharing insights into his writing process and inspirations.

Future Festival Dates

The Bradford Literature Festival has announced that the 2027 edition will take place from Friday 11th June to Sunday 20th June. Further details will be available on the official website.

For more information and updates, visit www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk.