BRADFORD Literature Festival got under way last night, at a glittering dinner attended by guests from around the world.

The ten-day festival features more than 150 events, from a panel discussion on Isis to a Bronte-themed quiz. Guests include author and journalist Will Self and children's writer Lauren Child, creator of the popular Charlie and Lola books.

Organisers Syima Aslam and Irna Qureshi plan to make the festival an annual event.

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“Our unique brand of programming is a first for this country. It has been a real joy to curate a festival that brings together such a distinguished and diverse range of participants to discuss issues that, while having global and UK-wide significance, are also very pertinent to Bradford," said Irna.

The festival began last night with a dinner held at the Midland Hotel, attended by guests including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, and Baroness Warsi.

FULL BRADFORD LITERATURE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

The festival is funded by the Arts Council England and Bradford Council, and the University of Bradford and Bradford College are key partners, with NHS Bradford’s Healthy Hearts and Woodhouse Grove School as main sponsors along with support from social housing provider Incommunities.

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