The city of Bradford is prominent for its forward-thinking approach to events and festivals. Participation from different groups of people, accustoming various cultures bring together vibrant celebrations to the city year after year.
Summers are highly anticipated as it marks the arrival of many great events. Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) being one of them. Initiated in 2014, this event is considered to be the most diverse and inclusive festival of North England.
Spanning across various categories such as arts, music and culture, this event creates an amalgamation of entertainment for people to enjoy.
This year, the event seeks to highlight a set of international guests, including acclaimed artists such as calligrapher Haji Noor Deen from China, renowned scholar Reza Aslan from LA, world-class musicians Fareed Ayaz, Abu Muhammad Qawwal & Brothers from Pakistan, and many more thinkers and artists from all corners of the globe.
BLF will also showcase a performance of Sir Muhammed Iqbal’s seminal poem Shikwa; a Symphonic Poem composed by Rushil Ranjan for a 30-piece orchestra, harmonium, esraj and tabla. The piece is to be sung in its entirety by Abi Sampa and performed by the pioneering Manchester Camerata orchestra.
Visual arts enthusiasts can also immerse themselves in West Yorkshire’s rich cultural history through the influence of the world’s greatest artists, Bradford-born David Hockney at Hockney Day. His work will be explored through the eyes of his lifelong friend Martin Gayford, and in a series of interactive workshops, gallery visits and walking tours. In a similar vein, Brontë-fans can enjoy one of BLF’s most popular flagship days out during Bronte Weekend.
Renowned crime writer, Val McDermid is set to headline the BLF crime weekend, where audiences can also take part in a live recording of a hit crime podcast, as well as provided with opportunity to raise a glass with their favourite authors at Noir at the Bar, or peek behind the police tape into the world of CSI and forensics.
Laughter-seekers can also get their dose of fun at BLF’s Evening of Comedy, headlined by Reginald D Hunter, hosted by Tez Ilyas and featuring Sophie Duker, Nabil Abulrashid and Louise Young.
The festival will also host a comedy night entirely in Arabic, from the Middle East’s first openly queer comedian, Shaden, who will explore formerly no-go topics such as female sexuality, racism and religion in this out-of-London exclusive.
Former Monty Python star, Sir Michael Palin, will paint a fascinating portrait of Iraq, a complex country few outsiders now get to see, following his travels to the River Tigris and new book, Into Iraq.
Syima Aslam, Founder and Director of Bradford Literature Festival, said:
“We’re thrilled to be returning for our ninth year and to unveil a program that we’re incredibly proud of. At BLF, we’re committed to making literature and culture accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. Our ethical ticketing policy and free events for children and young people, recognise the importance of inspiring the next generation of readers, writers and artists. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to provide a platform for marginalised voices that might otherwise go unheard’’
BLF brings out feelings of rejoice amongst the people of Bradford. Every year, great number of audience anticipate the event and look forward to part-taking in numerous fun activities.
People who wish to purchase tickets can visit https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/
