Jeremy Gartland

Noon - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Katseye

Animal

Listen Live Podcasts

Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 11:43

North Yorkshire Moors Railway's Paul 'Piglet' Middleton and Keighley author and award-winning food writer Shahnaz Ahsan.

Yorkshire's literary talent will take centre stage when Ilkley Literature Festival returns next month, with a third of this year's authors having links to the county.

The festival will welcome writers, poets and broadcasters throughout October, including several well-known names who were born, live or have strong connections to Yorkshire.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will return to Ilkley on 17th October to launch his new verse translation of the ancient epic poem Gilgamesh.

Keighley author and award-winning food writer Shahnaz Ahsan will discuss her new book, The Jackfruit Chronicles, on 10th October, exploring Bengali food through family recipes and memories.

York-raised Booker Prize-shortlisted novelist Fiona Mozley will also appear, while Barnsley poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan returns with his new collection, Red River Valley.

Hull's Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle and North Yorkshire Moors Railway's Paul 'Piglet' Middleton are among the other Yorkshire names on the programme.

Erica Morris, Chief Executive of Word Up North, who produces the festival, said:

“Ilkley Literature Festival attracts nationally and internationally acclaimed writers every year, but with such a wealth of home-grown literary talent here in Yorkshire, we are proud to champion local writers too.

“This year one third of the authors appearing at the festival are from, live in or have strong connections to Yorkshire, which is pretty remarkable.”

The wider programme includes appearances from Kate Atkinson, Joanne Harris, Oyinkan Braithwaite, Tom Hindle and Jasper Fforde.

Ilkley Literature Festival has been part of the county's cultural calendar for more than 50 years and is the North's longest-running literary festival.

More from Local news

Scarborough’s Alpamare waterpark set to be sold with 99-year car park lease

Scarborough's Alpamare waterpark is set to be sold alongside a 99-year peppercorn lease of the adjoining car park.
Martin House opens new memorial garden for bereaved families

Bereaved families supported by Martin House Children’s Hospice were joined by Chris Packham this week as they opened a new garden in memory of children and young people who have died.
Historic roof repairs get underway at Ilkley Manor House

Work is underway to repair the roof of Ilkley Manor House, with specialists aiming to preserve as much of the Grade I listed building's original material as possible.
Opening date announced for new Ilkley record shop

A new record shop selling vinyl and pre-loved items has announced when it will open in Ilkley.
£2.95million country home near Ilkley goes on sale for first time in 30 years

A five-bedroom country home near Ilkley has been put on the market for the first time in more than three decades.
Ilkley man to take on Yorkshire Three Peaks for brain injury charity

An Ilkley man is preparing to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for a charity.
Judy Murray surprises young tennis players during Ilkley visit

Young tennis players in Ilkley received some expert advice when renowned coach and author Judy Murray made a surprise visit to a local club.
New community podcast launched by Right at Home

Right at Home has launched a new podcast aimed at sharing stories and experiences from people across the local community.
Ilkley exhibition celebrates female body for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

An Ilkley gallery is hosting a month-long photography exhibition celebrating the female body while recognising those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.
Ilkley business owner takes on 90-day challenge wearing same wool dress

An Ilkley business owner is wearing the same British wool dress every day for 90 days as part of a new campaign promoting sustainable clothing habits.
Ilkley employer backs ‘shop local’ Christmas campaign

An Ilkley employer is backing a national campaign encouraging businesses to support their local communities when rewarding staff this Christmas.
Ilkley residents asked for views on plans to rebuild town centre toilets

Residents in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding are being asked for their views on proposals to fund the rebuild of public toilets in the town centre.
Cancer patient raises £11,000 to support others at Airedale Hospital

A former cancer patient has raised more than £11,000 to help improve comfort for people undergoing treatment at Airedale Hospital.
Run Bolton Abbey returns in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice

Runners are being invited to take on the scenic surroundings of the Bolton Abbey Estate when a popular charity event returns next month.
Ilkley Pride seeks volunteer to help behind the scenes

Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is looking for a new volunteer to help keep its activities running smoothly behind the scenes.
International cyclists take on ‘Hell of the North’ challenge in Ilkley

Cyclists from around the world have descended on Ilkley to take on a gruelling new charity challenge in aid of breast cancer research.
Voting opens for Ilkley’s Everything Yorkshire Art Competition

Art lovers are being invited to help choose the winners of a Yorkshire-inspired competition in Ilkley.
Ilkley Green Room nominated for UK’s Favourite Local Business

Ilkley Green Room is calling for community support after being nominated to become the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026.
Leeds Bradford Airport to shut down for workers strike

Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers will take industrial action over pay.
Ajé Cafe + Studio celebrate successful opening weekend

A new café, restaurant and wellness space has opened in Ilkley town centre.