Festival fever is heating up in the town in the build up to this year’s Literature Festival (Sept 28-Oct 14).
Michael Palin, Clare Balding, Sandi Toksvig and Michael Morpurgo are just some of the guest appearing in a sizzling programme involving nearly 200 speakers.
One of the greatest feats of the festival organisers each year is their ability to cater for all – men, women, children and pensioners alike. There are events aimed at readers of every genre, from comedy and crime to historical fiction, poetry and drama.
But the festival isn’t just for bookworms. Whether you are a music lover, sports fanatic, foodie, political mastermind or simply enjoy walks in the countryside, there will be an inspirational speaker appearing in your field of interest.
But with many of the big name events having sold out, what is there still left to see and do?
The answer is plenty and it takes a second or third glance of your programme to discover the hidden gems still up for grabs.
Here are just some of the events with tickets still available:
Founding member of the Liberal Democrats and former Royal Marine Commando Paddy Ashdown – Weds October 10th – King’s Hall (tickets £12). Lord Ashdown will be looking back at the Cockleshell Heroes who mounted a daring commando raid by canoe on German ships in Bordeaux back in 1942.
Former MP and Labour Minister Chris Mullin – Weds October 10, Kings Hall, (tickets £10). Chris Mullin will be taking a look at the new Channel 4 television adaptation of his classic, satirical political novel, A Very British Coup.
Political cartoonist Steve Bell – Sunday, October 14, Kings Hall (tickets £10). Bell, creator of the Gaurdian strip ‘If’ will be talking about his life and work which has won him the Cartoon Arts trust award eight times.
Former ITN newscaster John Suchet, Sunday October 7, Kings Hall, (tickets £12). Suchet is a leading authority on the composer Beethoven and will be looking into the complex character behind the music.
Author and journalist Penny Junor, Sunday, October 14, Kings Hall, (tickets £10). Junor looks at the real Prince William as aprt of her most recent royal biography.
Writer and broadcaster William Shawcross, Sunday, October 14, Craiglands Hotel (tickets £7). Shawcross will reflect on a new collection of the Queen Mother’s letters.
Bradford crime writer M.Y. Alam, Monday, October 1, Ilkley Playhouse (tickets £4). Author if Annie Potts is Dead and Kilo, Alam will be reflecting on his writing’s connection to his home town of Bradford.
Former Met officer Mike Pannett, Sunday, October 7, Craiglands Hotel, (tickets £6). Pannett will be telling of his experiences working as an officer in the Yorkshire Dales.
Author Blake Morrison, Thursday October 11, St Margaret’s Hall (tickets £6). The best-selling author of And When Did You Last See Your Father will be looking at the 1612 Pendle Witchcraft Trials. He is joined by fellow poets Peter Carpenter and Catherine Smith.
Too book tickets for any of the above events telephone the Box Office on 01943 816714. Or visit the website at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.
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