A BRONTË themed weekend will be a highlight of this year’s Bradford Literature Festival.

Boyd Tonkin, former literary editor of The Independent newspaper, will chair Brontë events as well as discussing freedom of speech.

Brontë Society president Bonnie Greer will also take part in the two discussions on May 23 at the Midland Hotel in Bradford.

The first event will explore race and gender in the novels of the Brontës, while the second will look at works that has been inspired by the sisters’ writing.

On May 17 the leading crime writer Sophie Hannah, who used to live in Utley, will talk about her first Hercule Poirot novel during an event at City Hall.

The Bradford Literature Festival, running from May 15 to 24, promises a distinct, diverse and dynamic brand of programming.

At the heart of the festival is ‘cultural literacy’, an exploration of race, faith and culture through a celebration of literature, history and the arts.

The festival features more than 150 events featuring more than 250 writers, thinkers, artists and experts from countries including Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Poland, Pakistan, Iran and Ireland.

Subject matter includes ISIS, Islamophobia, Bollywood and the Brontes, and ranges from comedy and crime to diabetes and doll making.

Leading children’s author Lauren Child will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her iconic book and television series, Charlie and Lola.

Will Self will be offering philosophical insights on particle physics with leading scientist Professor Akram Khan.

Guests also include poetry legend Brian Patten, Rumi expert Leonard Lewisohn, Lemn Sissay, current affairs commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Baroness Warsi and ‘No More Page 3’ campaigner Lucy Ann Holmes.

Syima Aslam, the festival co-director, said: “With the literature festival spearheading Bradford’s cultural renaissance to complement the ongoing economic regeneration, these are exciting times for the city.”

Visit bradfordliteraturefestival.co.uk for further information.