Bradford Literature Festival receives Culture Award at Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards
Bradford Literature Festival is proud to have been recognised with the Culture Award at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards. The honour celebrates those who have made a significant impact or contribution to the cultural offer across Yorkshire.
During its 10th anniversary year, Bradford Literature Festival delivered an acclaimed international programme with record-breaking footfall. BLF is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse literature festivals, and welcomed audiences of over 155,900 to 10 days of eclectic and diverse events in 2024. 453 artists from around the globe performed across 699 events. A new addition to the programme featured a vibrant concert showcasing gospel choirs from across West Yorkshire, alongside a special performance by the Krakow Gospel Choir from Poland.
The 2024 festival saw the return of beloved annual events including An Evening of Comedy, Sacred Music, and Poetry with a Punch. It also welcomed back the world-famous Orchestral Qawwali Project following its sold-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall. A new concert showcased gospel choirs from across West Yorkshire, with a special performance by the Krakow Gospel Choir from Poland. A new international partnership brought Doha Debates’ Town Hall event to the UK for the first time, chaired by journalist and broadcaster Remona Aly.
The literature festival positions Bradford and Yorkshire as a leading cultural destination, with 95% of 2024 attendees agreeing that BLF improves West Yorkshire’s national reputation. At the heart of BLF is a commitment to artistic brilliance, contemporary discourse, and supporting a broad spectrum of talent by giving a platform to both emerging and established artists.
BLF welcomed 453 artists in 2024 including acclaimed national figures such as Miriam Margolyes, Shaparak Khorsandi, Sara Pascoe, Lemn Sissay, Ruby Wax, Mary Beard, and Corinne Bailey Rae. International artists included Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Mahogany Browne, Haji Noor Deen, Yahya Rhodus, and Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot.
Syima Aslam, CEO and Artistic Director of Bradford Literature Festival, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have received the Culture Award at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards. This recognition is a testament the diverse, world-class programme of events delivered at Bradford Literature Festival 2024, and the passion and hard work of our team.
Over 10 years BLF has grown to a globally recognised platform, bringing together voices and stories from across the world. From welcoming internationally renowned authors and artists to Yorkshire, to hosting meaningful discussions on global issues, the Culture Award underscores the power of culture to bridge divides and create lasting connections.”