Bake-off winner Nadiya Hussain is likely to be one of the sell-out stars of the forthcoming Bradford Literature Festival.
Among a line-up that includes everyone from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy to Dewsbury-born politician Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, it is Nadiya’s freshly-baked status as a national treasure that will no doubt pull in the punters.
She’s scheduled for an evening in conversation on Thursday, May 26, at the Midland Hotel, and will talk about her life before and after the Great British Bake-Off and her new career as a national newspaper columnist.
Nadiya’s contribution to the festival – May 20 to 29 – is one of more than 200 astonishingly varied events. About 350 authors, poets, artists and filmmakers have been invited to the festival.
As can be expected from a city with such a multi-cultural background, the Bradford festival is strong on Asian content – with events discussing everything from the radicalisation of Muslim women to headscarf wearing – but it also includes contributions from Irish, Jewish, Christian and other communities. There are workshops in a wide range of skills, including manga and calligraphy, craft and blogging.
For families, the weekends are packed with activities for all ages – many free – including live wizard duels set in the Harry Potter universe and storytelling sessions. The City Park is hosting themed days for children on May 21, 22, 28 and 29.
No literary niche has been left untouched: there are sessions on Shakespeare and the Brontes; readings of South Asian poetry and the words of Lancashire poet Lemn Sissay; explorations of sacred verse and secular politics; and even history lessons, with tours of Bradford city centre, taking in the Jewish Quarter.
Highlights of the festival include:
Baroness Sayeeds Warsi talking on Muslim Women in Political Life on Saturday, May 21, from 10am, in Bradford University Great Hall.
Carol Ann Duffy poetry, Saturday, May 21, from 7.30pm, at Bradford College.
Professor Paul Rogers from Bradford University is looking at issues surrounding the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, on Sunday, May 29, at 11am. Mona Eltahawy is discussing Why The Middle East needs a Sexual Revolution on Saturday, May 21, 11am, Bradford University Great Hall.
But there are many, many more fascinating events to choose from. Visit www.bradfordliteraturefestival.co.uk for a programme and booking details.
