GSAL announces partnership with Leeds Literature Festival

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to announce its latest partnership as a sponsor of the 2025 Leeds Literature Festival (LLF), taking place between 14-22 June 2025. Now in its seventh year, LLF has become a dynamic celebration of words, ideas and performance, attracting acclaimed writers, poets and speakers from across the UK and beyond.

This year’s programme features 34 events across nine days, showcasing talents such as best-selling author and award-winning podcaster Gemma Styles, renowned poets Andrew McMillan and Maria Ferguson, the iconic White Rabbit Books, and powerful theatre performances like Esther’s Revenge from the Leeds International African Arts Festival. Events span city-wide venues and promise something for readers, thinkers and creatives of all ages.

GSAL is thrilled to support the festival which aligns closely with the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity, literacy and community involvement through meaningful partnerships.

“At GSAL, we believe in the transformative power of literature to broaden perspectives and ignite imagination. Supporting the Leeds Literature Festival not only reflects our commitment to academic excellence in the literary arts but also strengthens our engagement with the vibrant cultural life of our city. We’re proud to partner with a festival that champions both emerging and established voices in such a powerful and inclusive way,” said Sue Woodroofe, Principal of GSAL.

The festival continues to evolve as a key contributor to Leeds’ growing literary ecosystem, with collaborations from institutions such as Leeds Libraries, Hyde Park Book Club and the University of Leeds, as well as local initiatives including Leeds Poetry Festival and LiveWire.

Jack Simpson, LLF Chair and owner of the Hyde Park Book Club added: “This year’s festival is the broadest yet in terms of partners and spaces. We have some great writers, from across the country, as well as lots of homegrown talent. If people are interested in hearing the thoughts of writers, meeting publishers, visiting new spaces devoted to the written word, all in a city with an increasing focus on the literary arts, we think we’ve something for everyone.”

LLF 2025 promises a diverse range of events – from poetry and fiction to memoir, music and activism. For more information about the festival, including the full programme and ticketing, visit www.leedslitfest.co.uk