Leeds’ football history takes centre stage at Bradford Literature Festival

Football fans have always been more than just spectators; they are the lifeblood of the sport, and nowhere is that more evident than in the history of the fanzine.

It is a world of ink-stained fingers, photocopy toner, and uncompromising opinions.

For those who want to dive deep into the roots of this unique fan culture, the ‘Voice of the Fans’ exhibition - co-produced by Leeds Libraries and the British Library - is currently on display as part of the Bradford Literature Festival.

The exhibition explores over 60 years of fan-made media that have defined the beautiful game. It is a nostalgic and powerful journey through the DIY aesthetic: before social media algorithms dictated the conversation, fans built their own platforms using nothing more than a typewriter, a glue stick, and a defiant spirit.

Naturally, the exhibition gives pride of place to one of the UK’s most influential titles: Leeds United’s legendary powerhouse, The Square Ball.

Seeing its early covers displayed alongside icons like the global When Saturday Comes, and the bracingly titled War of the Monster Trucks highlights just how vital these grassroots publications were.

Decades before the mainstream media caught up, these zines were the original frontline against prejudice. They provided the space to fight racism and homophobia in the stands, champion women’s football, and organise the kind of grassroots action that has fundamentally shaped the modern game.

Born from the rebellious energy of the late-70s punk scene, the fanzine remains a masterclass in independent media. It was a way for the disenfranchised to reclaim their club from the boardroom, offering a unique, unfiltered perspective that you simply couldn't find in the back pages of the daily papers.

If you are a lifelong collector, a historian of the terraces, or simply curious about how Leeds’ own cultural archives are helping to tell the story of sport across the region, this is an unmissable opportunity.

When is ‘Voice of the Fans: The Story of Football Fanzines’ taking place at Bradford Literature Festival?

The event is taking place at the Festival Hub in City Park, Bradford, on July 12 at 3:30pm.

Tickets can be booked directly through the Bradford Literature Festival website, by calling the festival box office on 01274 044140 or by heading to the main Festival Hub ticket office at City Park up to 30 minutes before the event starts.

Please note: Individual tickets must be purchased separately for each talk, and the festival operates an Ethical Ticketing Policy offering free or discounted concessions for eligible visitors (including students, senior citizens, and low-income families).