THIS year's Bradford Literature Festival is to take place online with 10 days of free events including actor Christopher Eccleston, rapper Lowkey, author Lemn Sissay and US politician Ilhan Omar. 

The festival, which is normally held over multiple venues in the city centre during the summer, and attracts hundreds of big names from the world of literature, had to be cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus crisis.

The online events will take place between June 26 and July 5.

An update said: "We're excited to announce that the 2020 Bradford Literature Festival will take place online, bringing you 10 days of free events, accessible via our newly updated website www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk

"Tune in to hear unique conversations between household names such as Christopher Eccleston and Lemn Sissay, to explore some of the most important issues of our time with guests such as rapper and activist Lowkey and American politician Ilhan Omar, and much more.

"We've created a Digital Programme with all the intellect, passion and joy of the live festival, streamed directly into your own home.

"New content will become available each day between Friday, June 26 and Sunday, July 5, with very special Question & Answer events taking place live across digital platforms such as Zoom and Youtube.

"The 2020 Digital Programme brochure will be available from Friday June 12, containing up-to-the-minute event listings and all the information you need to tune in and take part."