We take a look at an event which is a big source of pride for local people, the Morley Literature Festival.
Even the biggest towns and cities don’t boast their own literature festivals, but that’s one claim that Morley can make - and they’ve been doing so for the past seven years.
Since the debut event back in 2006 the event has been growing in profile, popularity and, crucially, in terms of the names they’ve attracted to speak about their books.
In the past the literati who’ve turned up includes everyone from Iain M Banks, Gervase Phinn, Will Self, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Blake Morrison, Toby Litt, Robin Ince to John Shuttleworth, Ian Rankin, Mark Radcliffe and Lucy Worsley.
This year the festival, which was launched by a street market on Saturday, is well under way with Morley Town Hall once more forming the centrepoint of activities.
And this year the famous faces include Guardian journalist Polly Toynbee, star of bands Joy Division and New Order, Peter Hook, as well as crime writer Val McDermid, BBC 6 music presenter Stuart Maconie and Newsnight presenter Gavin Esler.
And the names become even more varied - everyone ranging from Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley to ITV’s royal correspondent, Tim Ewart.
But the event isn’t just about famous faces and household names, it is intended to promote a general cultural awareness of Leeds and Morley. To that end the festival features other attractions, such as Paul Rooney, winner of the 2008 Northern Art Prize, displaying one of his works in an empty shop window in the town centre. A group of local artists have also created five new pieces of temporary public signage which will also be on display.
And the organisers not only want to attract culture but as broad a spectrum of the population as possible. So, as well as attracting the more adult authors, there are also attractions organised for youngsters too.
On Saturday the offering began with poet, storyteller and writer Conrad Burdekin speaking at Morley Library. This year’s child-friendly line-up also includes Yorkshire-based author and illustrator Stephen Waterhouse who creates colourful artwork for books, posters, jigsaws and cards. Also, Gillian Rogerson reads from her latest picture book You Can’t Scare a Princess. And that all takes place as a group of authors visit schools around Morley, running workshops and giving special readings.
Meanwhile, sports fans are fortunate enough to have Dave Simpson, a Leeds United devotee and journalist for The Guardian talking on Saturday at the festival. This is his second appearance at the event, only this time he’ll be interviewing the aforementioned Peter Hook live on stage. He’ll also be discussing his own work, The Last Champions, his chronicle of the Whites’ Championship win title.
His book looks back at the roots of United’s championship success and the stunning collection of players that led up to the moment of glory.
The festival ends on Sunday October 14 with a busy programme of events throughout the weekend.
To see the full Morley literature Festival programme or to book tickets visit www.morleyliteraturefestival.co.uk or call 0844 8482706. Alternatively follow the festival on twitter @morleylitfest or find it on Facebook.
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