Preview: Ilkley Literature Festival

One of the longest-running and most prestigious literary festivals in the North, Ilkley Literature Festival opens this weekend and, as always, there is a wide range of events to look forward to in its two and a half week run.
BIG NAME: Victoria Derbyshire is among the headliners at the festival.BIG NAME: Victoria Derbyshire is among the headliners at the festival.
BIG NAME: Victoria Derbyshire is among the headliners at the festival.

Headliners include broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire discussing her memoir Dear Cancer, Love Victoria: A Mum’s Diary of Hope and other familiar names and faces from the worlds of TV and radio include the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The Life Scientific, Jim Al-Khalilli speaking about how science will define the future, Pointless creator and co-presenter Richard Osman attempting to answer important questions like ‘what is the nation’s favourite biscuit?’ posed in his book The World Cup of Everything and foreign correspondent Fergal Keane examining his personal history with the years of conflict in rural West Ireland.

Also among the 250 events are award-winning poet, playwright, novelist, lyricist and broadcaster Simon Armitage reading from his newest collection The Unaccompanied, satirist and writer Armando Iannucci discussing his increasing love for classical music and actor and director Barrie Rutter who will be bringing the whole festival to a close in his own distinctive way.

In addition there are workshops, masterclasses and events for children, families and young adults. A real literary feast.

September 29-October 15. ilkleyliteraturefestival.co.uk

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