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What is fact when the leaders of your country deny it? Disinformation is the new weapon in the political warfare that dominates the headlines, and social media has enabled it to spread like wildfire. Are we heading towards a world of mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours within society? Are we unwittingly experiencing the end of liberal democracy, and what are the...

Discover the essential writings of the late scholar, Martin Lings, curated by Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi. This collection brings together some of the most remarkable chapters from Lings’ extensive body of work, including his insights into the perennial philosophy, and writings on Islam and Sufism. Delve into Lings’ reflections on the spiritual dimensions within Shakespeare’s mature plays, such as Hamlet...

Join Bradford’s own Sairish Hussain as she returns to the festival for a special event on her latest novel, Hidden Fires, in-conversation with Yousra Samir. Set during Ramadan 2017, the story weaves a poignant narrative between Yusuf, haunted by a nightmarish past, and his granddaughter, Rubi, who confronts the cultural clash of their lives when she moves to London. As Rubi uncovers deeply buried...

You’ve been published, you’ve made a splash (or a sprinkle) and your first book is out in the world. Now what? Whether you’re grappling with motivation, facing inspiration hurdles, or doubting your next steps, this event is designed to guide emerging authors through the complex post-publication landscape. Join us for an insightful session with Saeida Rouass, acclaimed author of Eighteen Days of Sp...

Jared Shurin, award-winning anthologist and editor of The Big Book of Cyberpunk , is joined by two of the book’s contributing writers, Lauren Beukes and EJ Swift. Cyberpunk fiction offers space for imaginative storytelling to discuss and even predict the future. Since the 1980s, the genre has posited questions and scenarios that examine virtual reality, cybernetics and AI, and their effect upon or...

Join Bee Rowlatt as she discusses her anticipated debut novel, One Woman Crime Wave. In this gripping event, Rowlatt introduces us to 15-year-old Ashleigh, the neighbourhood’s favourite babysitter, but Ashleigh has an appetite for secrets… Drawing inspiration from JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls in this fast-paced, witty and scalpel-sharp debut, Rowlatt examines the limits of what money can buy...

Join acclaimed novelist, poet and playwright, Inua Ellams, author of The Half-God of Rainfall and hit play, Barber Shop Chronicles , Ashley Thorpe, author of The Boy to Beat the Gods , and Chikodili Emelumadu, author of Dazzling , to celebrate the extraordinary tales of West African mythology. You may be familiar with Greek mythology, but have you encountered the trickster Anansi, the spider, or t...

Join us for an extraordinary evening with Joanne Harris, the celebrated author of Chocolat , as she unveils her first fantasy novel in six years, The Moonlight Market . Dive into the hidden depths of contemporary London through the eyes of Tom, a photographer who inadvertently falls for Vanessa, a woman ensnared in a perilous double-life in bustling King’s Cross. As Tom’s pursuit leads him into a...

Delve into the thrilling world of crime fiction as we are joined by acclaimed authors, Vaseem Khan, Alex Gray, Sarah Hussain, and chair, Saeida Rouass. They will discuss their gripping novels, each set in a different corner of the globe. These authors will share their unique perspectives on weaving intricate tales of mystery, suspense, and intrigue, transporting readers to diverse settings and cul...

The UK general practice has reached crisis point. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has placed a strain on an already crumbling primary care service, leaving both patients and NHS staff struggling. Seventy-six years after the NHS was created, Dr Ellen Welch and Dr Nighat Arif lift the curtain on general practice, both reflecting on the history of the profession and how it’s changed, and looking...

Join with Ustadh Amjad Tarsin from Al-Maqasid in Pennsylvania, US, as he introduces The Kingdom of the Heart . This latest work of Habib Umar has been translated into English from Arabic by Tarsin. Tarsin will discuss the importance of nurturing the spiritual aspect of the heart, highlighting how our outward actions are deeply connected to the state of our hearts and provide valuable insights into...

Dive into a discussion about class, culture, and art in a conversation that promises to be as enlightening as it will be provocative. Step back into 1857, mill workers from the North of England embarked on an unprecedented journey to Manchester, witnessing the world’s most remarkable display of art. The Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition wasn’t just another gallery showing; it was a monumental ev...

Join this vibrant discussion with Bob Cryer, son of comedy legend, Barry Cryer, as he divulges anecdotes of his father’s incredible life and career from his new book, Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow, including the story of how Cryer called up his literary hero, J.B Priestley, and went over for tea with the Monty Python troop. J.B. Priestley, born in Bradford in 1894, was a prolific writer, playwri...

Immerse yourself in an inspiring celebration of two of the most influential figures in American literature, Maya Angelou and James Baldwin. Dive into the lives and legacies of these two iconic friends, whose shared experiences in the Civil Rights Movement and deep connections to religion shaped their profound contributions to poetry and the arts. Join us for a vibrant panel discussion exploring th...

Join Dr Asad Tarsin as he expertly navigates through the essential concepts and timeless wisdom gleaned from over 20 reputable authorities in Islam. Being Muslim: A Practical Guide is meticulously crafted by Dr Tarsin, and gives practical and valuable insights, allowing you to grasp the essence of what it truly means to be Muslim. Whether you are embarking on your journey into Islam or seeking to...

Embark on a mesmerising journey through time and space with the electrifying debut novel from award-winning poet Joelle Taylor, The Night Alphabet . A dazzlingly bold and original work, The Night Alphabet is a deep investigation into human nature and violence against women and is a conversation not to be missed. A fierce, tender and highly uncomfortable study of power, agency and resilience, this...

Join us for a 360° view of a book’s journey from the manuscript phase to the hands of readers. Bringing together voices from the publishing world, we’ll talk through the process of finding an agent, submitting to publishers and the editing process – what to expect, what might be challenging and the role of an author throughout the process. Find out how to avoid the slush pile, the pros and cons of...

“Some brains, through no fault of their own, pack a bag, turn the lights off and run away to the seaside the moment they are meant to be doing homework, paying bills or not putting the cat in the fridge. These are ADHD brains and I have one.” You’ll know her from Live at the Apollo and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow . Much-loved comedian, Shaparak Khorsandi, shares her rollercoaster ride of a...

Join us for a captivating discussion as author, Jason Wright, teams up with Stephen Pritchard from the Blake Society to explore the transformative power of William Blake’s work in modern mental health and addiction recovery. Delve into Blake’s Illustrations of the Book of Job and discover how these poignant themes resonate with contemporary psychoanalysis and psychotherapy techniques. Wright maste...

In the hands of artists and poets, books have taken a radically different form since the advent of the artist’s book in Paris in the early 20th century. In this fascinating conversation, art historian, Dr Venetia Porter, curator of the Artists making books: poetry to politics exhibition, and academic and writer, Dr Atef Alshaer, discuss the exhibition’s accompanying publication, a stunning collect...

Join us as host, Muhammad Jalal, meets Ahmed Paul Keeler to recount his fascinating life journey, from an idyllic childhood in Windsor to navigating trauma in English boarding schools, embracing modern art and theatre, and ultimately to finding solace in Islam. As a teen, Keeler organised plays and later established the groundbreaking Signals Gallery, promoting kinetic art. His crowning achievemen...

Join us for a panel discussion on the rich heritage and contemporary resonance of Islamic art and architecture. The panel includes Dr Silke Ackermann, Director of the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford, and Dr Abdulrahman Azzam and Muhannad Shono, two of the curators of the forthcoming Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which is the first exhibition of its kind and offers a forum...

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as we celebrate the enduring feminist legacy of Anne Brontë, a pioneering voice in Victorian literature, with Brontë scholar, Rose Gant, and Anne Brontë biographer, Samantha Ellis. Anne, often overshadowed by her sisters, Charlotte and Emily, challenged societal norms and championed women’s rights through her groundbreaking novels and poetry. From her por...

Join us for a thought-provoking panel event, showcasing the UK’s foremost cosy crime authors, including Katy Watson, JM Hall and Antony Johnston. These popular authors share a passionate love for their genre, and together will embark on a quest to decipher whether crime can ever truly be cosy. Dive into the realm of cosy mystery books, your perfect haven for lighthearted escapism. With the genre g...

Join this fascinating conversation, we explore the historical, cultural and religious significance of one of the world’s oldest and most contested cities, which is holy to the three major Abrahamic faiths. Jerusalem’s rich tapestry of history includes periods of conquest, conflict and coexistence, each leaving its mark on the city’s identity. From the ancient walls of the Old City to the revered s...