As one of Europe's most innovative cultural celebrations, the festival aims to spark dialogue, delight audiences - and reel in guests from far and wide into the heart of the newly-transformed Bradford city centre.
Now in its eleventh year, Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) continues to evolve as one of the UK’s most inclusive and thought-provoking cultural events.
And, with hundreds of engaging creative sessions spanning the worlds of literature, politics, faith, art, and identity, this year’s programme reflects both local roots and global ambition - and promises to be the most innovative yet.
Festival CEO and Artistic Director Syima Aslam said the 2025 edition was a culmination of that vision.
“Bradford Literature Festival was founded on the belief that culture is not a luxury - it’s a necessity,” she said.
“At a moment rich with possibility for reimagining how we live, learn, and listen to one another, we remain committed to offering space for reflection, dialogue, and creativity.”
She said this year’s packed programme of events in West Yorkshire was “our most ambitious yet: a bold, joyful, and deeply thoughtful celebration of ideas, imagination, and identity.”
She added: “BLF continues to be shaped by the communities we serve - international in scope, proudly rooted in Bradford, and grounded in the principle that everyone deserves access to culture, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
With Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebration in full swing, Aslam said the honour was reflective of the city’s “creative energy”.
She said: “This year, we are also especially proud to celebrate Bradford’s designation as the 2025 UK City of Culture — an accolade that reflects the vibrant cultural landscape and creative energy the festival has helped to nurture and shape over the years.”
Without further ado, here are some of the biggest events taking place at this year's Bradford Literature Festival:
7. A Monstrous Anger of the Guns with Jeremy Corbyn & Paul Rogers at St George's Hall - Sunday, July 6 at 14.00
Join the former Labour leader and Professor Paul Rogers for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the global arms race as they explore the political and ethical implications of rising global military spending and arms proliferation. | Bradford Literature Festival
8. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf at multiple events
Join Sheikh Hamza Yusuf in a number of engaging talks and conversations across the festival covering topics ranging from Jane Austen and her influence on morals to the Qur'an and modern Islam, including a landmark event exploring compassion and sacred history. | Bradford Literature Festival
9. Thinking Differently and Laughing Loudly with Robin Ince and Pierre Novellie at the Great Hall, Richmond Building, University of Bradford - Sunday, July 6 at 16.30
Join Robin Ince and Pierre Novellie for a captivating conversation exploring the intersection of comedy, creativity and neurodiversity. Sharing insight from their latest books, the two authors delve into their personal journeys, unpacking the quirks, challenges, and joys of neurodiversity experiences with wit and warmth. | Bradford Literature Festival
10. Deadline with Steph McGovern in conversation at the Great Hall, Richmond Building, University of Bradford - Saturday, July 5 at 15.30
Join journalist and broadcaster Steph McGovern as she discusses her debut crime novel, Deadline, in a conversation about swapping the newsroom for fiction and the secrets behind her page-turning plot. Drawing on her own experiences in journalism, McGovern will reveal for the fast-paced world of live TV has shaped her and what it's like entering the world of crime fiction. | Bradford Literature Festival
11. Doha Debates with Wael Hallaw, Shashi Tharoor, David Engels and moderated by Malika Bilal at St George's Hall - Saturday, July 5 at 19.00
Join for a town hall that brings together tree influential thinkers to explore what national identity means in 2025. Wael Hallaq, scholar of Islamic law and a leading critic of modern state structures, examines identity beyond territorial borders, while Indian parliamentarian and author Shashi Tharoor offers insight into nationalism and postcolonial identity. Meanwhile, historian David Engels brings a European perspective to tradition and cultural continuity. The debate will unfold live on stage moderated by journalist Malika Bilal. | Bradford Literature Festival
12. Engaging debates
Like previous years, Bradford Literature Festival 2025 will host a rage of thought-provoking discossions on some of the most pressing issues. This year, guests can listen to debates tackling pressing issues, including Gaza 2040: Imagining the Future, Freedom of Expression: Who Gets to Speak?, Islamophobia Now, and The Great Unravelling: Democracy & Development in the Age of Populism. | Bradford Literature Festival