Exploring Love Through Literature at Bradford Festival

Valentine’s Day and Literary Reflections on Love

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) has highlighted the theme of love through various literary perspectives. The festival has drawn attention to the long-standing connection between love and literature, particularly poetry, and shared insights into love traditions worldwide alongside recommendations from contemporary writers.

Love and Poetry: From Ancient to Romantic

Poetry is often regarded as a classic expression of love. The earliest known romantic poem, “The Love Song of Shu-Sin,” dates back approximately 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq. This poem was part of fertility rites, illustrating the deep historical roots of romantic expression in poetry.

Closer to home, the 19th-century poets known as the six Great Romantics—William Blake, William Wordsworth, John Keats, Percy Shelley, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron—are recognised for shaping modern love poetry. Their works continue to resonate today, with Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty” often cited as a notable example:

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

During February, poetry is commonly featured in Valentine’s cards and public readings. BLF has also shared recordings of contemporary poet John Cooper Clarke performing his work.

Love Traditions Around the World

Valentine’s Day customs vary internationally. In the UK, typical practices include giving flowers and cards and dining out. However, other countries observe different traditions and dates:

• In Finland, the Wife-Carrying World Championships take place in Sonkarjävi, where the winner receives their partner’s weight in beer as a prize.
• In Romania, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 24 February with the exchange of wild flowers, which are dried for several months before being thrown into rivers to ward off bad luck.

Past Festival Highlights Featuring Love Themes

BLF has hosted various events centred on love and romance. Notable past appearances include:

• John Cooper Clarke’s poetry recital in 2025.
• A one-woman show titled Where is Love by theatre facilitator and actor Meave Brannen in 2023.
• Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi, an academic from California, discussing the works of the Persian poet Rumi in 2024.
• A literary debate in 2023 called Gothics vs Romantics, featuring authors Kat Dunn and Nicola Cornick arguing for gothic and romantic literature respectively.

Staff Book Recommendations for Valentine’s Day

Festival staff have shared some of their preferred love stories and romance novels:

• Hollie, Programme Coordinator: Funny Story by Emily Henry – a romantic and humorous novel with a happy ending.
• Elysia, Junior Programmer: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney – noted for its dynamic portrayal of relationships and unexpected love dynamics.
• Rob, Marketing Manager: 11.22.63 by Stephen King – a novel featuring a time-travel subplot with a poignant love story.

Looking Ahead

The programme for the Bradford Literature Festival 2026 is expected to be announced in spring. Those interested can sign up for updates through the festival’s mailing list.