Simon Armitage among literature festival line up

2 hours ago

News image — Authors Jacqueline Wilson and Kate Atkinson, and poet Simon Armitage are all speaking at the festival

Paul Stuart/Chris Boland A composite image of three people: Jacqueline Wilson, Simon Armitage and Kate Atkinson — Authors Jacqueline Wilson and Kate Atkinson, and poet Simon Armitage are all speaking at the festival

Simon Armitage, Jacqueline Wilson and Kate Atkinson are among the authors set to appear at Ilkley Literature Festival in October.

The line-up for the 53-year-old festival also includes journalist Samira Ahmed, swimmer Mark Foster, tennis coach Judy Murray and politician Dame Margaret Hodge.

Erica Morris, chief executive of Word Up North, which produces Ilkley Literature Festival, said more than a third of the programme was made up of writers "who have a connection to Yorkshire".

"We were the first literature festival in the north of England, so we've got an incredible history.

"So many amazing writers and authors and intellectuals and thinkers have been through the doors of our stages in Ilkley," she said.

"Whatever your interest, there'll be someone here at Ilkley Lit Fest who will be of interest to you."

Sane Seven/Harry Borden/Getty Three photographs of Judy Murray, Mark Foster and Dame Margaret Hodge — Judy Murray, Mark Foster and Dame Margaret Hodge will also speak at the festival

Ilkley Literature Festival, established in 1973, is the second-oldest book festival in the UK, after Cheltenham.

Morris said they were expecting 14,000 people to visit the town this year, and the festival had built up "an incredible loyalty" from audiences.

"People come from Ilkley and across West Yorkshire, but they also come from different parts of the country and even from abroad, not only because Ilkley is a fantastic book festival, but because West Yorkshire is such an amazing place to spend time."

Running for 17 days from 2-18 October, the programme also features historians, comedians and academics.

Andrew Davies, who is known for his literary adaptations, will open the festival discussing his memoir, An Unsuitable Boy.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson will introduce her new book, Esme Pepper, and talk about her career. She has written more than 120 books for children.

Meanwhile, poet Simon Armitage will read from his new translation of the epic poem Gilgamesh.

A series of book club-style events will also be held as part of the National Year of Reading campaign, led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust.

Tickets go on general sale on 25 August, with priority bookings open on 19 August.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.