Ilkley Literature Festival’s Words in the City will be taking over City Park, Bradford for a weekend of fun, games and poetry on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June. The Poetry Yurt will play host to FREE activities for children and families, including edible poetry and a poetry treasure hunt. Whether it be cloud-watching or space food eating, there will be plenty to spark creative minds and entertain children of all ages. Families can also enjoy the free family poetry show with Joshua Seigal or learn more about ‘Reading Together’ with Reading Matters.
There will be a vintage ambulance dispensing prescriptions to cure your poetic problems and a chance to explore the Caravan Gallery exhibition held in a vintage caravan, featuring photographs of everyday life in 21st century Britain.
Headlining the two daylong event is the UK’s favourite performance poet, comedian and broadcaster John Hegley on Saturday 6th and Leeds born Tony Harrison, regarded as one of Britain’s greatest living poets, on Sunday 7th. Multi-award winning poet Jo Shapcott will also be appearing alongside Shipley’s own Zaffar Kunial, who started his career writing verses at Hallmark Cards. Budding poets can hone their skills with writing workshops from the Poetry Business or Rommi Smith or compete to win the chance to perform at the Ilkley Literature Festival in October by taking part in the Slam Competition. Teenagers with a passion for writing can take part in a free writing workshop for young people at Bradford Library. Plus, the beautiful surroundings of Waterstones on Hustlergate will host a wealth of free Fringe events including the Beehive Poets, Bruce Barnes with a performance inspired by Branwell Brontë and a multi-lingual Mushaira – or gathering of poets – making Bradford the place to be for anyone with an interest in words!
Words in the City promises to be a fantastic weekend of fun for the whole family. Visit www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk to book tickets and for the full programme.