Global voices and big ideas at Bradford Lit Fest 2026
What do a Green Party MP, a global music icon and a Bake Off favourite have in common? They’re all heading to Bradford this summer, as the Bradford Literature Festival returns from July 3-12 with a star-studded line-up that blends politics, poetry, music and popular culture.
What do Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, music legend John Robb and Bake Off star Prue Leith have in common?
That’s right, they’re all taking part in this year’s star-studded Bradford Literature Festival, from July 3-12.
They will be joined by not one but two former Emmerdale actors Bradley Riches and Jessie Elland, poet Lemn Sissay, former first Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, writer, novelist and columnist Fatima Bhutto and many others for what is one of the UK’s largest literature festivals, attracting over 187,000 visitors last year.
Other attractions include the world’s tiniest travelling cinema, an audience with Hacienda pioneer, DJ and broadcaster Mike Pickering, a meet-the-publisher event for budding authors, plus talks by political columnist Peter Oborne and music journalist and punk rock aficionado John Robb.
University of Bradford academics taking part include international expert Emeritus Professor Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies PB Anand and artificial intelligence expert Professor Hassan Ugail.
The University of Bradford, a strategic partner of the festival, will play a central role in hosting a packed programme of events on campus, reinforcing its position as a civic anchor institution at the heart of the city’s cultural life.
Above: Bradley Riches, best known for: playing James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper and Lewis Barton in ITV’s Emmerdale.
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Above: Green MP Hannah Spencer
Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby said: “Since its inception in 2014, the University has been a proud sponsor and strategic partner. This is such a wonderful cultural event that appeals to people from all walks of life.
“The University’s involvement reflects a wider commitment to supporting the city and creating opportunities for communities, students and visitors to engage with world-class culture on their doorstep.
“By opening its spaces to global conversations and local audiences alike, the University is helping to turn ideas into impact, connecting Bradford to the world while strengthening its role as a place where talent, creativity and ambition can thrive.”
Above: music journalist John Robb
There will also be a wide range free of activities for children, including sessions on storytelling, meet the author events, theatre performances, facepainting and more.