Bradford’s annual celebration of books and culture has achieved its highest ever attendance, drawing more than 200,000 people to its latest edition.
This year’s ten-day literary gathering in the Yorkshire city welcomed 201,674 visitors to 762 separate occasions across various venues.
Attendees made the journey from every corner of the nation and from abroad.
Syima Aslam, who founded and directs the festival, expressed that culture serves as an essential rather than optional part of society. She noted that the Bradford Literature Festival originated from a straightforward concept: that such an event in this particular city ought to transcend being merely a collection of activities. According to her, it should function as a space for meeting and exchange. It should be a venue for aspiration. It should be somewhere where individuals who frequently find themselves as subjects of discussion could instead speak on their own behalf.
The festival reinforced its commitment to fostering inclusive and thought-provoking dialogue through a programme encompassing literature, creative arts, music, theatre, cinema, and visual art.
Notable appearances included sessions with Fatima Bhutto, Prue Leith, Misan Harriman, and Jeremy Corbyn.
Mr Corbyn participated in a sold-out conversation promoting his new publication, The Gaza Tribunal Britain’s Complicity in Genocide, which examined Britain’s involvement in the Israel-Palestine situation.
He characterised the festival as an important venue for cultural and political unity.
Poet Lemn Sissay brought the event to a close with an emotional occasion focused on his ‘Tell Me Something About Family’ initiative, exploring the intricacies of family relationships and the significance of personal narratives.
Discussions on global affairs, history, and international politics also featured prominently. Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani addressed the breakdown of governmental systems and public services in areas such as Gaza and Sudan. Vince Cable explored historical patterns of imperial rise and fall alongside the psychological aspects of national decline.
The arts and visual narrative received recognition as well, with Bradford’s library service presenting an exhibition in collaboration with Qatar National Library. Dr Rachel King from The British Museum discussed the unearthing of a five-hundred-year-old Tudor heart necklace, describing it as the most significant joint undertaking in Britain since the Staffordshire hoard.
In sessions concerning disability, Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas provided guidance on managing ADHD, while Polly Atkin discussed how swimming can provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with long-term health conditions.
Political and social subjects dominated much of the programme. Green Party MP Hannah Spencer condemned what she described as antiquated procedures within Parliament alongside the pressures faced by legislators holding additional employment. Concerns regarding social media’s effects on youth also received attention. Dr Elizabeth Pearson endorsed prohibiting platform access for those under sixteen, drawing parallels with current restrictions on film and television content.
A.A. Dhand introduced his newest crime novel, The Kingpin.
Next year’s Bradford Literature Festival is planned for June 11 to 20.