explore words discover worlds

Long before it became a flashpoint in today’s geopolitics, Crimea was the site of one of the 19th century’s most consequential wars. This event revisits the Crimean War — a clash of empires, religion, and ambition that saw Britain and the Ottoman Empire allied against an expansionist Russia. While Florence Nightingale and the Charge of the Light Brigade remain in public memory, the war’s deeper geopolitical legacy is often forgotten. What does this earlier conflict reveal about imperial rivalry, the shaping of Europe, and the long shadow Crimea casts over today’s war in Ukraine?

Professor Abdullah Alkadi shares the remarkable story of Al-Qaswāʾ, the beloved she-camel of the Prophet Muhammad. ﷺ Faithfully accompanying the Prophet across the Hijaz, the western region of the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Qaswāʾ is mentioned numerous times in hadith literature, from the Hijrah to the Farewell Hajj. Joining Professor Alkadi for an engaging discussion is Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, President of Zaytuna College, California. Together, they will explore the Islamic emphasis on compassion, care, and the ethical treatment of animals, hallmarks of a faith grounded in mercy. Drawing on decades of research into the Hijrah Route, the Way of the Prophets, and the Farewell Hajj, Professor Alkadi observed a striking detail: alongside the Prophet and his Companions at key moments, Al-Qaswāʾ was also present. More than a means of transport, she was a silent witness to revelation, an emblem of loyalty and grace. This heartwarming account uncovers a story many have yet to hear, filled with well-sourced anecdotes that reflect the compassion and spiritual depth of Islam.

Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey share a passionate belief in a fairer, more equal Britain, encapsulated in Labour’s 2017 election slogan ‘For the many, not the few’. This slogan, inspired by Shelley’s famous poem The Masque of Anarchy, points to something else the two men have in common: a lifelong enthusiasm for poetry. Their selected poems travel over centuries and continents, with poets ranging from William Blake to Emily Dickinson, and Stevie Smith to Linton Kwesi Johnson. Featuring guest selections from the likes of Rob Delaney, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Ken Loach, Maxine Peake, Michael Rosen, Alexei Sayle, and Gary Younge. Join Corbyn and McCluskey as they discuss the poems that continue to inspire them in their political careers.

Join us for a thought-provoking talk with Professor Saeed Khan as we mark 50 years since the fall of Saigon, the event that ended the Vietnam War on April 30th,1975. Known in Vietnam as Reunification Day, it reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Southeast Asia. Professor Khan will explore the global impact of the war’s conclusion, the legacy of U.S. involvement, and how its memory continues to influence contemporary geopolitics. A concise, insightful session that offers historical reflection and fresh perspective – perfect for your lunch hour.

Join us for a powerful conversation reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, one of the most pivotal events in Britain’s industrial and political history. Featuring Emily P. Webber, author of Mining Men: Britain’s Last Kings of the Coalface, and Craig Oldham, author of In Loving Memory of Work, the event explores the strike’s lasting impact on working-class identity, community, and resistance.

Join WritersMosaic and The Royal Literary Fund’s John Siddique for a gripping exploration into the dark hearts of storytelling with three of today’s leading voices in global crime fiction. Sunday Times bestseller, Saima Mir, City University’s Crime Writing Award winner, Nadine Matheson, and critically acclaimed author, Kia Abdullah – whose work has been hailed as ‘thriller of the year’ by The Guardian and The Telegraph – come together to discuss the creative drive, personal journeys, and cultural forces that shape their narratives. From vengeance to justice, and trauma to empowerment, this conversation reveals what lies beneath the surface of every killer story.

Join Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi, one of the best-known and most respected community leaders and academics in the Bay Area, California, as he guides us on a journey of spiritual enlightenment through the profound contributions of two remarkable poets, Rumi and Iqbal.At the age of five, Mojadedi began to memorise poems by Rumi and other great poets. His love of poetry continued to grow and eventually developed into a passion and calling that would allow him to teach regular classes on Rumi throughout California, the US, UK, Canada,Australia, Malaysia, Germany and even as far as Konya, Turkey, where Mawlana Rumi is laid to rest.Despite emerging in vastly different historical contexts, both Rumi and Iqbal transcended their respective challenges by embracing the concept of Divine Love. Discover how their messages revolve around two central themes: self-discovery as a pathway to realising one’s true potential, and the importance of connecting with God through this journey of introspection.

Join us for our annual Free Word Lecture, which aims to uphold the ethos of free speech with a focus on the power and politics of words. Continuing the legacy of the Free Word Centre, an international centre for literature, literacy and free expression, this annual event creates a platform for writers to spark stimulating conversations and challenge our assumptions about the world. Following in the footsteps of previous speakers Ben Okri and Rana Ayyub, this year’s lecture promises to be another unmissable event exploring the transformative and democratising power of words and the importance of freedom of expression.

On the 175th anniversary of the death of Anne Brontë, we are joined by authors and Brontë experts, Adelle Hay and Nick Holland, to explore her life, legacy, and her debut novel, Agnes Grey. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, this poignant novel follows the experiences of Agnes, a governess, as she navigates the complexities of love, morality, and social class, which is argued to mirror Anne’s own life. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Brontës or new to their literary legacy, this event promises to be a captivating journey into the heart and mind of Anne Brontë and her timeless masterpiece, Agnes Grey.

What is fact when the leaders of your country deny it? Disinformation is the new weapon in the political warfare that dominates the headlines, and social media has enabled it to spread like wildfire. Are we heading towards a world of mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours within society? Are we unwittingly experiencing the end of liberal democracy, and what are the alternatives? Political scientist Anne Norton, in her new book Wild Democracy, questions the principles of liberalism and modern democracies and calls for a more anarchic, more courageous democracy to avoid the drift towards authoritarianism. But would this place too much power in the hands of the people?Join Anne Norton, Myriam François, and Saeed Khan for a fascinating discussion about the current state of democracy in the modern world, how we can navigate a world where the ‘truth’ is not all that it seems, and what future alternative systems could look like.

Discover the essential writings of the late scholar, Martin Lings, curated by Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi. This collection brings together some of the most remarkable chapters from Lings’ extensive body of work, including his insights into the perennial philosophy, and writings on Islam and Sufism. Delve into Lings’ reflections on the spiritual dimensions within Shakespeare’s mature plays, such as Hamlet, as well as his exploration of Qur’anic calligraphy and illumination, and celebrated translations of Sufi mystical poetry classics. Dr Shah-Kazemi, who was not only Lings’ neighbour but also his student and friend for over 16 years, will guide us through select passages from the book, focusing particularly on the mystical depths found within Hamlet.

Join Bradford’s own Sairish Hussain as she returns to the festival for a special event on her latest novel, Hidden Fires, in-conversation with Yousra Samir.Set during Ramadan 2017, the story weaves a poignant narrative between Yusuf, haunted by a nightmarish past, and his granddaughter, Rubi, who confronts the cultural clash of their lives when she moves to London.As Rubi uncovers deeply buried secrets, they both grapple with painful memories that challenge their perceptions and forge a new bond. From the acclaimed author shortlisted for the Costa Prize, HiddenFires is a gripping exploration of grief, loss and the enduring power of family ties against the backdrop of significant historical events.Don’t miss this powerful discussion that delves into the complexities of personal and collective history.

You’ve been published, you’ve made a splash (or a sprinkle) and your first book is out in the world. Now what? Whether you’re grappling with motivation, facing inspiration hurdles, or doubting your next steps, this event is designed to guide emerging authors through the complex post-publication landscape. Join us for an insightful session with Saeida Rouass, acclaimed author of Eighteen Days of Spring in Winter, and Kasim Ali, renowned for his work, Good Intentions. They will share their personal experiences and practical advice on building a sustainable writing career, overcoming common obstacles, and managing author-agent-publisher dynamics effectively. This discussion will equip you with the tools to maintain your creative momentum and navigate the intricacies of the literary world. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from those who have walked the path and transformed challenges into stepping stones for success.

Jared Shurin, award-winning anthologist and editor of The Big Book of Cyberpunk, is joined by two of the book’s contributing writers, Lauren Beukes and EJ Swift. Cyberpunk fiction offers space for imaginative storytelling to discuss and even predict the future. Since the 1980s, the genre has posited questions and scenarios that examine virtual reality, cybernetics and AI, and their effect upon ordinary lives, communities and culture – realities we are now facing today. Join us for a lively discussion about the role speculative fiction can play as we reimagine the world around us and how cyberpunk can help us shape the world of tomorrow.

Join Bee Rowlatt as she discusses her anticipated debut novel, One Woman Crime Wave. In this gripping event, Rowlatt introduces us to 15-year-old Ashleigh, the neighbourhood’s favourite babysitter, but Ashleigh has an appetite for secrets… Drawing inspiration from JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls in this fast-paced, witty and scalpel-sharp debut, Rowlatt examines the limits of what money can buy and how easily the fragile web of middle-class privilege can be torn. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into this cleverly crafted narrative, which blends humour with poignant social commentary and entertains as much as it enlightens.

Join acclaimed novelist, poet and playwright, Inua Ellams, author of The Half-God of Rainfall and hit play, Barber Shop Chronicles, Ashley Thorpe, author of The Boy to Beat the Gods, and Chikodili Emelumadu, author of Dazzling, to celebrate the extraordinary tales of West African mythology. You may be familiar with Greek mythology, but have you encountered the trickster Anansi, the spider, or the Orisha, the pantheon of Gods whose seeds are scattered across the African continent? Whether you’re a curious bystander or an expert in African folklore, our panel will guide you through the mythological wonders of West Africa and the work inspired by them.

Join us for an extraordinary evening with Joanne Harris, the celebrated author of Chocolat, as she unveils her first fantasy novel in six years, The Moonlight Market. Dive into the hidden depths of contemporary London through the eyes of Tom, a photographer who inadvertently falls for Vanessa, a woman ensnared in a perilous double-life in bustling King’s Cross. As Tom’s pursuit leads him into a mystical world concealed within the familiar streets of London, inhabited by peculiar creatures and ancient warring factions, he stumbles upon a clandestine market that emerges solely in moonlight. Here, memories are the currency for charms and spells, and Tom is haunted by the feeling that he has been part of this enigmatic world before.

Delve into the thrilling world of crime fiction as we are joined by acclaimed authors, Vaseem Khan, Alex Gray, Sarah Hussain, and chair, Saeida Rouass. They will discuss their gripping novels, each set in a different corner of the globe. These authors will share their unique perspectives on weaving intricate tales of mystery, suspense, and intrigue, transporting readers to diverse settings and cultures. Explore the dynamic interplay of crime, culture, and location, and gain insights into how international influences shape their storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the minds behind some of the most compelling crime fiction, and uncover the secrets lurking across borders.

The UK general practice has reached crisis point. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has placed a strain on an already crumbling primary care service, leaving both patients and NHS staff struggling. Seventy-six years after the NHS was created, Dr Ellen Welch and Dr Nighat Arif lift the curtain on general practice, both reflecting on the history of the profession and how it’s changed, and looking ahead to what general practice might look like. With accounts from GPs across the country, those on the frontline try to answer the question: how did we get here? Is it better overseas? And what can be done to make things better for us all in the future?

Join with Ustadh Amjad Tarsin from Al-Maqasid in Pennsylvania, US, as he introduces The Kingdom of the Heart. This latest work of Habib Umar has been translated into English from Arabic by Tarsin.Tarsin will discuss the importance of nurturing the spiritual aspect of the heart, highlighting how our outward actions are deeply connected to the state of our hearts and provide valuable insights into how our behaviour influences our inner being. Tarsin, as covered in the book, will offer guidance on internalising the wisdom found in acts of devotion, believed to have a purifying effect on the heart.