The Ilkley Literature Festival has unveiled its lineup of events and workshops for early 2025, featuring a mix of rescheduled and newly programmed author talks.
One of the key highlights will take place at Ilkley Grammar School on Saturday, March 29. Marianna Spring, the BBC’s award-winning Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent and host of Americast, will discuss her book Among the Trolls. Spring will explore conspiracy theories, trolls, and algorithms, addressing how the information war is threatening society and values.
Chris Atkins, former inmate, documentary maker, and bestselling author, will lead a discussion on the UK’s broken justice system. Atkins will talk about his book Time After Time: Why Criminals Can’t Quit Crime.
Futurist and business thinker Patrick Dixon will delve into the future of AI in a talk about his book How AI Will Change Your Life. Dixon will discuss both the potential threats and benefits of artificial intelligence.
Climate expert Chris Goodall will examine the path to a carbon-neutral future in his talk on Possible – Ways to Net Zero, exploring how climate technologies can help achieve this goal.
In addition to author talks, Word Up North, the arts charity that manages the Ilkley Literature Festival, has also announced a series of poetry and nature writing workshops for early 2025.
In January, two of this year’s New Northern Poets, Claire Lynn and Mike Farren, will host online poetry workshops via Zoom. Lynn’s workshop on January 18 will focus on ekphrastic poetry, while Farren’s session on January 22 will explore the poetry of place.
For nature writing enthusiasts, two workshops—Nature Writing by the Wharfe—will be held on April 5 and May 10 at Nell Bank, located on the outskirts of Ilkley. Led by renowned writers John Whale and Matt Howard, the workshops will include guided exploration of the Yorkshire Dales. Participants will find inspiration from the River Wharfe, ancient oak woodlands, and panoramic views of the Wharfe Valley before spending the afternoon crafting their creative responses.
Erica Morris, Director of Word Up North and the Ilkley Literature Festival, said, “Saturday, March 29, promises an exciting array of bestselling authors and leading thinkers discussing timely topics—from AI and the climate crisis to the UK’s justice system and the future of democracy in this age of division and disinformation.”
