Robert Nisbet Joins Bradford Literature Festival Board

Experienced journalist and communications expert appointed as Non-Executive Director

Bradford Literature Festival has announced the appointment of Robert Nisbet to its Board as a Non-Executive Director. Nisbet brings extensive experience in journalism and corporate communications to the leadership team as the festival prepares for its thirteenth edition in July 2026.

Professional background of Robert Nisbet

Robert Nisbet is a partner at 5564 & Company, a corporate communications agency advising major global brands such as Coca-Cola and Microsoft. Prior to this role, he worked as a journalist for both the BBC and Sky News. His journalism career includes positions as a Correspondent and Chief Reporter, and he was notably the first Entertainment Correspondent for the BBC Six O’Clock News.

During his time at Sky News, Nisbet produced a series of undercover reports. He has also worked as a Political Correspondent, with postings in Washington DC, Los Angeles, Brussels, and Westminster.

Festival context and future plans

Nisbet’s appointment comes as Bradford Literature Festival prepares for its next event, scheduled from 3 to 12 July 2026. The festival aims to build on the success of its 2025 edition, which attracted over 187,000 attendees across more than 750 events held throughout the city.

Statements from festival leadership and Robert Nisbet

• Syima Aslam, Founder and Artistic Director of Bradford Literature Festival, expressed her approval of the appointment, highlighting Nisbet’s expertise as a valuable addition to the Board.
• Robert Nisbet commented on joining the festival, emphasising the importance of storytelling and respectful listening in today’s divided society. He noted the festival’s role in providing a platform for diverse voices and experiences.

Education Programme

In addition to the main festival, Bradford Literature Festival runs an Education Programme offering free events for Key Stage 2, 3, and 4 students. These events are designed to complement the National Curriculum and support students’ learning journeys.

For more information about the festival and its Education Programme, visit the official website: bradfordlitfest.co.uk.