explore words discover worlds

Join historian and filmmaker Sam Dalrymple and Samia Rahman for an illuminating discussion on his debut book, Shattered Lands.

Drawing from extensive archival research and multilingual oral histories, Dalrymple examines five pivotal partitions, including those of India, Burma, and Palestine, that dismantled the British Indian Empire and reshaped modern Asia.

Through personal narratives and political analysis, he reveals how these divisions led to enduring conflicts, mass migrations, and the redrawing of borders. This event offers a compelling exploration of how historical partitions continue to influence contemporary geopolitics and identities across the region.

Across the West, far right movements are gaining ground — not just at the margins, but in the mainstream. From fiery rhetoric to policy influence, they’re reshaping the way we talk about identity, belonging, and power. What’s fuelling this rise, and why now? 

Join us for a timely and urgent discussion as our experts explore the deeper forces at play — from economic anxiety and online radicalisation to political polarisation and cultural backlash. 

In this discussion we consider what this could mean for the future of democracy, free speech and how can we respond before the tide tur...

Join historian and author, Manu S. Pillai and Saeed Khan, for an illuminating talk on his latest book, Gods, Guns and Missionaries.

Drawing on rich historical research, Pillai explores the complex interplay of religion, colonial power, and armed conflict in shaping the Indian subcontinent’s past. Through compelling narratives, he reveals how faith, force, and imperial ambition intertwined to influence culture, politics, and society.

For millennia, Syria has stood at the heart of global history — from the Bronze Age cities of Ebla and Ugarit to Roman Antioch and Umayyad Damascus. A land of prophets, poets, and empires, it was shaped by Persian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Ottoman rule.

This talk explores Syria’s extraordinary past: a centre of faith, culture, and commerce where civilisations met and ideas flourished.

As we trace its path through colonialism and independence to the early years of the Assad regime, we uncover the deep historical layers that continue to shape one of the world’s most...

Join writer and researcher Madeline Potter for a deeply personal and timely conversation about her acclaimed book The Roma, a powerful portrait of Europe’s Romani communities, past and present.

Blending memoir, reportage, and historical investigation, Potter sheds new light on a people too often excluded from mainstream narratives. From artists and boxers to survivors of persecution and injustice, The Roma uncovers extraordinary lives, and challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that continue to shape public perception.

Drawing on her own experiences as a Romani woman, Potter offers a moving exploration of identity, resilience, and the im...

Long before it became a flashpoint in today’s geopolitics, Crimea was the site of one of the 19th century’s most consequential wars. This event revisits the Crimean War — a clash of empires, religion, and ambition that saw Britain and the Ottoman Empire allied against an expansionist Russia.

While Florence Nightingale and the Charge of the Light Brigade remain in public memory, the war’s deeper geopolitical legacy is often forgotten.

What does this earlier conflict reveal about imperial rivalry, the shaping of Europe, and the long shadow Crimea casts over today’s war in Ukraine

Professor Abdullah Alkadi shares the remarkable story of Al-Qaswāʾ, the beloved she-camel of the Prophet Muhammad. ﷺ Faithfully accompanying the Prophet across the Hijaz, the western region of the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Qaswāʾ is mentioned numerous times in hadith literature, from the Hijrah to the Farewell Hajj.

Joining Professor Alkadi for an engaging discussion is Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, President of Zaytuna College, California. Together, they will explore the Islamic emphasis on compassion, care, and the ethical treatment of animals, hallmarks of a faith grounded in mercy.

Drawing on decades of research into the Hijrah Route, the Way of the...

Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey share a passionate belief in a fairer, more equal Britain, encapsulated in Labour’s 2017 election slogan ‘For the many, not the few’. This slogan, inspired by Shelley’s famous poem The Masque of Anarchy, points to something else the two men have in common: a lifelong enthusiasm for poetry.

Their selected poems travel over centuries and continents, with poets ranging from William Blake to Emily Dickinson, and Stevie Smith to Linton Kwesi Johnson. Featuring guest selections from the likes of Rob Delaney, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Ken Loach, Maxine Peake, Michael Rosen, Alexei Sayle, and Gary...

Join us for a thought-provoking talk with Professor Saeed Khan as we mark 50 years since the fall of Saigon, the event that ended the Vietnam War on April 30th,1975.

Known in Vietnam as Reunification Day, it reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Southeast Asia. Professor Khan will explore the global impact of the war’s conclusion, the legacy of U.S. involvement, and how its memory continues to influence contemporary geopolitics.

A concise, insightful session that offers historical reflection and fresh perspective – perfect for your lunch hour.

Join us for a powerful conversation reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, one of the most pivotal events in Britain’s industrial and political history.

Featuring Emily P. Webber, author of Mining Men: Britain’s Last Kings of the Coalface, and Craig Oldham, author of In Loving Memory of Work, the event explores the strike’s lasting impact on working-class identity, community, and resistance.

Join WritersMosaic and The Royal Literary Fund’s John Siddique for a gripping exploration into the dark hearts of storytelling with three of today’s leading voices in global crime fiction.

Sunday Times bestseller, Saima Mir, City University’s Crime Writing Award winner, Nadine Matheson, and critically acclaimed author, Kia Abdullah – whose work has been hailed as ‘thriller of the year’ by The Guardian and The Telegraph – come together to discuss the creative drive, personal journeys, and cultural forces that shape their narratives.

From vengeance to justice, and trauma to empowerment, this conversation reveals what lies beneath t...

Join Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi, one of the best-known and most respected community leaders and academics in the Bay Area, California, as he guides us on a journey of spiritual enlightenment through the profound contributions of two remarkable poets, Rumi and Iqbal.

At the age of five, Mojadedi began to memorise poems by Rumi and other great poets. His love of poetry continued to grow and eventually developed into a passion and calling that would allow him to teach regular classes on Rumi throughout California, the US, UK, Canada,Australia, Malaysia, Germany and even as far as Konya...

Join us for our annual Free Word Lecture, which aims to uphold the ethos of free speech with a focus on the power and politics of words.

Continuing the legacy of the Free Word Centre, an international centre for literature, literacy and free expression, this annual event creates a platform for writers to spark stimulating conversations and challenge our assumptions about the world.

Following in the footsteps of previous speakers Ben Okri and Rana Ayyub, this year’s lecture promises to be another unmissable event exploring the transformative and democratising power of words and the im...

On the 175th anniversary of the death of Anne Brontë, we are joined by authors and Brontë experts, Adelle Hay and Nick Holland, to explore her life, legacy, and her debut novel, Agnes Grey.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, this poignant novel follows the experiences of Agnes, a governess, as she navigates the complexities of love, morality, and social class, which is argued to mirror Anne’s own life.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Brontës or new to their literary legacy, this event promises to be a captivating journey into th...

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 alternatives?

Political scientist Anne Norton, in her new book Wild Democracy, questions the principles of liberalism and modern democracies and calls for a more anarchic, more courageous democracy to avoid the drift...

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, as well as his exploration of Qur’anic calligraphy and illumination, and celebrated translations of Sufi mystical poetry classics.

Dr Shah-Kazemi, who was not only Lings’ neighbour but also his student and friend for over 1...

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 secrets, they both grapple with painful memories that challenge their perceptions and forge a new bond. From the acclaimed author shortlisted for the Costa Prize, HiddenFires is a gripping exploration of gr...

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 Spring in Winter, and Kasim Ali, renowned for his work, Good Intentions. They will share their personal experiences and practical advice on building a sustainable writing career, overcoming common obstacles, and managing author...

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 ordinary lives, communities and culture – realities we are now facing today.

Join us for a lively discussion about the role speculative fiction can play as we reimagine the world around us and how cybe...

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 and how easily the fragile web of middle-class privilege can be torn.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into this cleverly crafted narrative, which blends humour with poignant social commentary and entertains as much as...

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 the Orisha, the pantheon of Gods whose seeds are scattered across the African continent?

Whether you’re a curious bystander or an expert in African folklore, our panel will guide you through the my...

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 mystical world concealed within the familiar streets of London, inhabited by peculiar creatures and ancient warring factions, he stumbles upon a clandestine market that emerges solely in moonlight. Here, memories are...

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 cultures. Explore the dynamic interplay of crime, culture, and location, and gain insights into how international influences shape their storytelling.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the minds behind some of th...

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 ahead to what general practice might look like.

With accounts from GPs across the country, those on the frontline try to answer the question: how did we get he...

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 how our behaviour influences our inner being.

Tarsin, as covered in the book, will offer guidance on internalising the wisdom found in acts of devotion, believed to have a purifying...

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 event that attracted over 1.3 million people, including royalty like Queen Victoria, cultural icons like Charles Dickens, and figures from all classes.

Fast forward to today, where art galleries seem reserved for the...

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, playwright, and social commentator. His works often delved into themes of social justice, time, and the interconnectedness of human existence. Though his work was often serious in nature, Pr...

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 the unique literary friendship that enriched their later years and left an indelible mark on each other’s work. Discover how their relentless curiosity about life and unwavering commitment to Black rights and culture fuelled 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 refresh your understanding of its foundational principles, Being Muslim will bestow the most fundamental aspects of the faith, no matter your level of familiarity with Islam.

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 novel pulls no punches.

Join Taylor as she delves into the dystopian cityscape of futuristic Hackney in 2233, where Jones, adorned with copious tattoos, seeks to complete her extraordinary gallery with a final...

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 indie publishing versus larger publishing houses and how the whole cycle works, from submission to bookshelf.

“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 life shaped by undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in her latest publication, Scatter Brain.

Khorsandi talks all things, from shoplifting and her attr...

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 masterfully connects Blake’s vision of despair, redemption and hope to the journeys individuals face when overcoming trauma today.

This engaging event will offer fresh perspectives on using historic literary insights to foster healing and growth...

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 collection of outstanding and fascinating artists’ books.

Join us for an enthralling discussion as they delve into the range of artists work, from Beirut to Tunis and beyond. Highlighting the relationship between artist...

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 achievement was the World of Islam Festival in 1976, followed by various projects promoting Islamic civilisation and cultural dialogue. At 70, he penned Rethinking Islam and the West, questioning society’s obsession with progress andadvocating for balance, explored further in hi...

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 for the display and discussion of Islamic arts and cultures from around the world.

Ackermann and Azzam bring their expertise and perspectives on the multifaceted ways in which...

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 portrayal of strong, independent female characters to her unflinching exploration of themes, such as domestic abuse, addiction, and female agency, Anne’s writings continue to resonate with modern audiences and inspire generations of feminists.

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 growing in popularity once again, the question lingers…can crime genuinely exude cosiness?

Explore the charm, wit, and intrigue of cosy crime fiction as we unravel the mystery. Don’t miss...

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 sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem serves as a focal point for millions of believers worldwide. In the modern context, what d...

Join Professor Saeed Khan as he explores Orientalism as Said defined and described it and how it persists as a central component, explicitly or otherwise, in so many contemporary conversations.

In 1978, Edward Said published Orientalism, which served as a critique of Western scholarship. Said argued persuasively that Western scholars viewed the rest of the world, and particularly the Middle East and Muslim world, as the perennial ‘Other’ and, more troublingly, the ‘Lesser’.

Said’s work revolutionised several fields of study and has influenced academics, policy-makers and politicians ever since. Nearly five decades on, Said’s work has pro...