TO MARK the start of the 2018 Festival, Ilkley Literature Festival are combining two of their favourite things – books and cakes for a special family baking competition.

Inspired by Nadiya Hussain’s new book Bake Me A Celebration Story ILF are inviting children and families (no professional bakers please!) to make and decorate a cake inspired by a favourite children’s book and enter them in the mini Bake Off style competition at the Kings Hall on Thursday, September 20 before Nadiya’s own Festival event.

Cake experts from Bettys will join chairman of the Ilkley Literature Festival board Nigel Walsh to pick the best cakes and want to see your most creative and beautifully decorated cakes, inspired by anything from Jacqueline Wilson and Horrible Histories to Harry Potter and Peter Rabbit.

“Nigel Walsh said: “What better way to celebrate the start of the Festival than with book themed cakes?

“I am sure that there are lots of very talented, book loving bakers in and around Ilkley, so I have great expectations that the region’s talented bakers will deliver.”

Prizes include tickets to see Jacqueline Wilson and Terry Deary (Horrible Histories) at Ilkley Literature Festival, a mini hamper of goodies from Love Brownies and a Bettys Party cake.

The competition is free to enter for family groups and cakes must be brought to the Kings Hall, Station Road, Ilkley, LS29 8HB between 4.30pm-5.15pm on Thursday, September 20.

Full details on how to enter can be found at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

Tickets for Nadiya Hussain’s event and 240 other Ilkley Literature Festival events including Dan Snow, Mary Portas, Moeen Ali, Jacqueline Wilson, Carol Ann Duffy and John Simpson are on sale now at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

Tickets can be booked by phone on 01943 816 714 (10am – 5pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and 10am-7pm Wed)

Ilkley Literature Festival is nationally acknowledged for its artistic excellence and diverse programming.

The Festival attracts audiences of over 25,000, over 17 days each October, alongside a year-round programme of workshops, projects and author events in schools.