A LOVE of food will be used to attract more people to Bradford’s libraries – with free events being held across the district this month.

The Big Tasty Read is part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and is run in partnership with The Reading Agency and BBC Arts.

Throughout September, libraries across Bradford will host a mix of free events, including author talks, writing workshops, food-themed crafts, film screenings, and cooking sessions.

Highlights include

  • Writing workshops will be led by local writers and poets including Nabeela Ahmed, Rachel Bower, Gill Connors, Antony Dunn, Carrie Etter and Mohamed Saloo.

  • Special readings include Rachel Bower and Antony Dunn with Beehive Poets at City Library (September 5), Olivia Potts at Shipley Library (September 10), and Three Little Birds Bakery sharing their story at Keighley Library (September 13).

  • Film screenings at Darley Street Market: Chocolat (September 6) and A Thousand Foot Journey (September 12).

  • Creative food-themed activities include cupcake decorating, recipe journaling, herbal mandalas, roti making, a Big Tasty Bake Off, and a Global Food and Heritage Tour.

  • Foraging fun with Within the Wood and Sponge Tree.

  • Recipe Books created by Stand and Be Counted Theatre Company will be shared at events, including a special day at Darley Street Market (September 27) with American poet Carrie Etter.

Events will take place at libraries in Bingley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, City, Eccleshill, Holme Wood, Keighley, Laisterdyke, Manningham, Shipley, Wibsey and Wyke, as well as at Darley Street Market and Within the Wood’s site in Stanbury.

Tickets are free and available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradfordlibraries.