Legendary singer and musician John Wardle – alias Jah Wobble – turned back the clock to launch Huddersfield Literature Festival.

There was a 1980s theme as this year’s 10-day festival kicked off in style at the Rock Cafe in Huddersfield.

Jah Wobble, the original bass player with the band Public Image Ltd, got his nickname after a mumbled introduction by Sid vicious, lead singer with the Sex Pistols.

Jah Wobble took the stage to talk about his music career. He co-wrote and played on the Public Image Ltd album Metal Box.

The audience at the launch event dressed for the occasion with 1980s throwbacks Freddie Mercury and Madonna enjoying the night.

Jah, who now runs his own record label and tours as Jah Wobble in Dub, said afterwards: “It’s been surreal but in a good way!”

After Jah’s talk, 80s tribute band Rubix Cube belted out some classic hits.

Festival director Michelle Hodgson said: “It was a great start to the festival.

“We have an exciting line-up and we want to build on the excitement of last year. We want to bring even more people into town.”

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘remembrance’ as the country prepares to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Highlights of the festival, which runs until March 16, will include Booker prize nominee Jim Crace in conversation with renowned book critic Suzi Feay on Sunday March 9 (5pm) in the Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre at the University of Huddersfield.

Former BBC chief news correspondent Kate Adie will be in conversation with Alison Fell at Huddersfield Town Hall on Thursday March 13 (7.30pm).

Ms Adie will talk about her time as an award-winning war reporter and about her latest book Fighting on the Home Front: The Legacy of Women in World War One.

Almondbury author Joanne Harris will talk about her new epic fantasy novel The Gospel of Loki at the Phipps Room at the University of Huddersfield on Friday March 14 (7pm).

For a full list of events see www.litfest.org.uk

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