October Events: Read and be merry at the Ilkley Literature Festival

It might be more famous for its moorland and local ales, but this pretty Yorkshire town also has a rather exciting literary festival – one that’s been going for over 40 years.

Top authors, speakers and decision-makers regularly feature on the programme, and this year there'll be appearances from Ed Balls, Sarfraz Manzoor and Jackie Kay just to name just a few. Whether you’re a serious bookworm or a casual reader there’s something to capture anyone’s imagination – even the little ones, with a wealth of children’s events. 

And if you think that you’ve got a novel up your sleeve, why not have a go at the first chapter at one of the many writing workshops on offer?