Peter Kay to Attend Ilkley Library Event on July 8
Exciting news for literature enthusiasts! This is my intention to attend the upcoming Bradford Writes event at Ilkley Library, Station Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8HA, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. This event is part of a vibrant series of literary gatherings hosted by Bradford-based poet and writer Nabeela Ahmed, giving local authors a platform to share their work with the community.
About Bradford Writes 2025
Bradford Writes is back for 2025, offering a fantastic opportunity for published writers and poets from Yorkshire to showcase their talents. The series will take place across three Bradford libraries:
- Keighley Library: Saturday, June 14, 18:00 – 20:30
- Ilkley Library: Tuesday, July 8, 18:00 – 20:30
- City Library: Wednesday, October 29, 18:00 – 20:30
Each event provides a platform for writers of any genre to share their work, with participants given ten minutes to present their books, poems, or stories to an engaged audience. The October event at City Library is proudly sponsored by the Intercultured Festival (https://www.intercultured.co.uk/), an organisation known for supporting Bradford’s thriving community of self-published and independent authors.
A Special Invitation for YA and Children’s Writers
The Bradford Writes series is open to writers of all genres, with a special shoutout to YA and children’s authors. Ilkley Library, the venue for the July 8 event, is known for its community-focused initiatives, including SEND Inclusive sessions designed for families with special educational needs. This welcoming environment makes it an ideal space for young writers and those creating content for younger audiences to share their stories.
I am a huge supporter of inclusivity, encouraging YA and children’s writers to seize the opportunity to present their work alongside other talented authors is an important part of this Festival.
How to Get Involved
If you’re a writer interested in showcasing your work at any of the Bradford Writes 2025 events, now’s your chance! Nabeela Ahmed is coordinating the line-up and invites interested participants to reach out to her directly via her Facebook page at facebook.com/nabeela.ahmed.127. Whether you’re a poet, novelist, or children’s author, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Yorkshire literary community and gain visibility for your work.
Supporting the Intercultured Festival
The October 29 event at City Library is sponsored by the Intercultured Festival, an organisation dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through the arts. They have a history of supporting Bradford Writes, hosting similar events in 2023 that highlighted the city’s vibrant indie author scene. The festival encourages donations to help sustain its initiatives, ensuring that events like Bradford Writes remain free and accessible to all.
Join the Celebration of Yorkshire Literature
Bradford Writes 2025 promises to be a enriching series of events, bringing together writers and readers in a shared celebration of creativity. Whether you’re attending to hear me read from my newly released Imprints at Ilkley Library, or hoping to share your own work, these gatherings are a testament to the thriving literary culture in Yorkshire.
Meet the Host: Nabeela Ahmed
Nabeela Ahmed, the driving force behind Bradford Writes, is a celebrated writer, multilingual poet, and spoken word artist based in Bradford. Nabeela is passionate about fostering creativity and diversity in literature. She is the author of the novella Despite our Differences (2018) and has had her poetry manuscript shortlisted by Verve Poetry Press in 2023. Nabeela is also an experienced educator, teaching creative writing in schools, libraries, and online through organisations like Authors Abroad, The National Literacy Trust, and festivals such as The Bronte’s Wild Women and Jaag.
Her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices is well-documented. In 2023, Nabeela hosted The Women’s Weekender, a series of online poetry workshops celebrating the experiences and successes of women of colour, as reported by the Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Her work continues to inspire and connect communities through the power of words.
Mark your calendars, and don’t miss the chance to be part of this inspiring community event. https://libraryon.org/libraries/bradford/ilkley-library
For more details, follow Peter Kay on X at @PeterKa29830408 or visit other pages of my website at peterkaywordspace.co.uk to learn more about my work, including my poetry and upcoming murder mystery set in 1930s Yorkshire.
