Literary festival has the write ingredients

The event kicks off on Friday September 20 with a talk called The Brontes and the Railways by Ann Sumner.

And the following day there is a packed programme, starting in the morning with Fashion in the Age of the Brontes by Katina Bill – an illustrated lecture using the sisters’ letters and diaries to explore the importance of fashion; and Cruel Lives by local historian John Brooke, which explores some of West Yorkshire’s epidemics.

In the afternoon Margaret Watson looks at the life of former Dewsbury Reporter editor Mr WW Yates who founded the Bronte Society; Liz Rye will give a talk on The Gaskell Drawing; and James Gorin Von Grozney will talk about the famous Bronte sisters painting by Landseer.

The evening will see a Bronte tribute concert by Val Wiseman at Whitechapel Church, Cleckheaton, where Rose Ann Heslip – the niece of the Rev Patrick Bronte – is buried.

On the Sunday morning, local historian David Pinder will lead a topical discussion on Richard III and Tudor propaganda, and in the afternoon renowned writer Julian Spilsbury will talk about writing for radio and television.

The last session is a Walk and Talk by Peter Jackson and Trees Fewster based on the poetry of Gomersal man Wilf Booker. For details of sessions and admission charges visit www.northkirkleesliteraryfestival.org.uk.