Yorkshire writers take centrestage at Ilkley Literature Festival

Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton visits ILF on 11 October

Ilkley Literature Festival 2026 returns from 2–18 October, bringing nationally acclaimed authors together with a strong showcase of Yorkshire’s literary talent.

This year, one third of participating authors have Yorkshire connections, highlighting the county’s contribution to literature.

Local highlights include Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, custodian of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and star of Steam Train Diaries, sharing stories from more than 30 years on the railway (11 October); Nancy Birtwhistle, Great British Bake Off winner, discussing sustainable living and her new book Clean Magic (4 October); and Keighley writer Shahnaz Ahsan, presenting her memoir and celebration of Bengali food, The Jackfruit Chronicles (10 October).

Shahnaz Ahsan [Photo: Tracey Aiston]

Poetry takes centre stage with Ian McMillan, whose new collection Red River Valley explores family, language and life in Barnsley (16 October), while York-born novelist Fiona Mozley discusses her latest novel Awake Awake (10 October). Simon Armitage returns to launch his new verse translation of the ancient epic Gilgamesh (17 October).

As part of the National Year of Reading, the festival is also focusing on the art of storytelling. John Yorke, author of Into the Woods, will explore the power of stories in culture, politics and current affairs (4 October).

Nancy Birtwhistle [Photo: Clare Winfield]

The programme also features Kate Atkinson, Joanne Harris, Oyinkan Braithwaite, Tom Hindle, Jasper Fforde, Michelle Anya Anjirbag, Melanie Ramdarshan Bold and Matthew Sweet, alongside debut authors, panel discussions and reading groups.

Erica Morris, Chief Executive of Word Up North, the producer of Ilkley Literature 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. Having been part of the cultural fabric of the county for over fifty years, we know how important events like ours are in inspiring new generations and demonstrating that Yorkshire’s writers stand amongst the best in the world.”

Ian McMillan is in Ilkley on 16 October [Photo: Jody Moore, Bolder Visual]

With events spanning fiction, poetry, food, history, storytelling and popular culture, Ilkley Literature Festival offers something for every reader from 2–18 October, further details and tickets available at https://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/