BRADFORD Literature Festival has renewed a sponsorship agreement with University of Bradford.

The new commitment builds on the success of the previous two-year partnership for the 2015 and 2016 editions of the festival.

With support from University of Bradford and other sponsors, the festival has grown rapidly; in 2016 over 200 events took place across 10 days, bringing together 415 authors, poets and artists from around the world.

This year the event will run from June 30 to July 9.

The university's Director of External Affairs Mark Garratt said: “The University is delighted to continue its sponsorship with what is now undoubtedly one of the UK’s premier literature festivals.

"Bradford is one of the world’s leading technology universities, and we define technology as the application of knowledge to deliver solutions. In the same way the Festival is using literature and knowledge to transform lives and the synergy with the University’s own outreach programmes to raise aspiration and promote inclusion is truly exciting for this city and its bright future.”

Festival Director, Syima Aslam said: “The University of Bradford has sponsored the festival since its inception and their investment has already enabled Bradford Literature Festival to become an event of national and international significance. The renewal of this commitment means that the festival can continue to position the city of Bradford as a cultural destination of world renown.”

Festival Director, Irna Qureshi said: “Bradford’s diverse and dynamic community offers a unique opportunity for creating a festival of literature that addresses the UK as a whole.

"The University of Bradford holds an important position within the city and its communities, offering the opportunity for further education and academic growth which makes it the ideal sponsor for the festival. We are thrilled to be continuing the relationship.”