2025 Ilkley Literature Festival Is A Celebration Of Literature And Ideas

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, join the 2025 Ilkley Literature Festival (3-19 October) for 17 days of inspiring talks, readings, and discussions with stars like Jung Chang, Michael Palin, Simon Armitage, and more in the picturesque spa town of Ilkley!

Ilkley Literature Festival

The Ilkley Literature Festival, the north’s longest-running literary event, has unveiled its vibrant 2025 programme, set to take place from Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 19 October. Spanning 17 days, the festival will bring an impressive array of prominent figures from politics, literature, comedy, journalism, and academia to the picturesque spa town of Ilkley.

A Star-Studded Line-Up

The 2025 festival boasts an eclectic mix of well-known personalities. Among them are former Deputy Prime Minister and Meta’s President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, who will open the festival with an exploration of the internet’s impact and Big Tech’s successes and failures. Acclaimed author Jung Chang will present a continuation of her family’s story and China’s history, following her iconic work Wild Swans. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will share readings from his two new poetry collections, Dwell and New Cemetery, while Michael Palin will recount his adventures in South America, focusing on Venezuela. Gyles Brandreth will mark the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh with reflections on his book Somewhere, A Boy and A Bear.

Other notable figures include Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court, who will discuss the British justice system, and comedian Alan Davies, who will share insights from his memoir about his stand-up comedy career. Retail expert Mary Portas will explore consumer culture, and actor Hugh Bonneville, known for Paddington and Downton Abbey, will present his memoir and introduce his debut children’s book at a family-friendly event. Additional highlights include broadcaster Sir Tony Robinson discussing his first fiction work, BBC presenters Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie, and food writer Ruby Tandoh examining the UK’s obsession with food.

Diverse Themes and Thought-Provoking Discussions

The 2025 festival is structured around several thematic strands, offering something for every interest:

Doing Justice

This theme focuses on fairness and accountability. Jo Hamilton, a key figure in the Post Office scandal, will share her story, which inspired the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Lady Hale will provide insights into the British justice system, while Lee Lawrence will address racial injustice in the UK, and Tony Juniper will explore how fairness can help address environmental challenges.

Novel Ideas

Celebrating storytelling, this strand features bestselling authors Rachel Joyce and Esther Freud, alongside Women’s Prize-shortlisted writers Nussaibah Younis and Sanam Mahloudji, discussing their latest novels. Irvine Welsh will also present the sequel to his iconic Trainspotting, following the lives of its characters in the late 1980s rave scene.

The Dark Side of the Internet

This theme tackles digital culture’s challenges. Journalist James Bloodworth will share his investigation into toxic online subcultures, while Dr Kaitlyn Regehr will discuss screen addiction and strategies for reducing phone dependency.

Talking Politics

Delving into political landscapes, this strand includes former Chief Whip Simon Hart and political columnist Steve Richards, who will reflect on Tony Blair’s legacy. Vince Cable and BBC Verify correspondent Ben Chu will explore geopolitics and globalisation.

Food for Thought

Food takes centre stage with Jay Rayner reflecting on his 25-year career as a restaurant critic, Ruby Tandoh examining food culture, Tim Spector discussing the science of microbes, and Sabrina Ghayour simplifying Middle Eastern recipes.

Soft Power

This strand highlights overlooked historical figures, particularly women. Biographer Sonia Purnell will discuss Pamela Churchill Harriman’s influence on global leaders, while Valerie Waterhouse will spotlight Bradford-born writer Malachi Whitaker, whose work was widely broadcast by the BBC but is now largely forgotten.

Explore Moor

Focusing on humanity’s connection to nature, this theme features Mike Berners-Lee, earth scientist Anjana Khatwa, and T.S. Eliot Prize-winning poet Jason Allen-Paisant, who will explore how landscapes shape identity.

In Verse: The Rising of the North

Ilkley’s strong poetic tradition shines through this strand, which includes a panel reimagining Tony Harrison’s controversial poem V., written during the Miner’s Strike. Poets Andrew McMillan and Malika Booker will discuss its themes of class and alienation, alongside poetry showcases and a free networking event for northern poets.

Big Ideas and Cultural Significance

Beyond its thematic strands, the festival will tackle pressing global issues, including climate change, philosophy, and the science of politeness. Established in 1973, Ilkley Literature Festival is renowned for its artistic excellence and diverse programming. Managed by Word Up North, a literature development organisation, the festival attracts over 22,000 attendees annually and supports emerging and mid-career writers through mentoring and talent development.

Festival Highlights and Legacy

As one of the UK’s oldest literary festivals, surpassed only by Cheltenham, Ilkley continues to captivate audiences. Its independent bookshop, The Grove, sells between 10,000 and 20,000 books during the festival. Notable past initiatives include the Stanza Stones Poetry Trail, a 50-mile project across the Pennines created with Simon Armitage. Ilkley’s charm, with its boutique shops and scenic beauty, has earned it a place on the Sunday Times’ best places to live list, a quality noted by writer Angela Carter during her 1977 residency.

Supported by Arts Council England and Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Ilkley Literature Festival remains a cornerstone of cultural and intellectual exchange. With its blend of high-profile names, emerging voices, and thought-provoking themes, the 2025 edition promises to be both entertaining and enlightening.

Find more from Ilkley Literature Festival now:

Visit ilkleylitfest.org.uk or follow @ilkleylitfest