Cat Stevens and Prue Leith among festival line up

Singer songwriter Cat Stevens, plumber-turned Green MP Hannah Spencer and Bake Off judge Prue Leith have been announced for this year's Bradford Literature Festival.

The event, running across the city from 3 to 12 July, is one of the country's largest literature festivals, and attracted more than 187,000 visitors last year.

Also speaking at the event are poet Lemn Sissay, former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches and Emmerdale actor Jessie Elland.

Festival founder and artistic director Syima Aslam said she hoped the programme would invite audiences to think more deeply.

"We are living through a period of profound change," she said.

"Across the world, people are grappling with questions of identity, belonging, power, meaning and the future. In moments such as these, stories help us make sense of ourselves and the world around us."

"This year's programme brings together writers, thinkers, artists and changemakers from across the UK and around the world to explore some of the defining questions of our age."

Many of the events will be held at the University of Bradford, such as lectures from artificial intelligence expert Prof Hassan Ugail and Professor of Peace Studies PB Anand.

Interim Vice-Chancellor Prof Nick Braisby said it was a "wonderful cultural event that appeals to people from all walks of life".

"By opening its spaces to global conversations and local audiences alike, the University is helping to turn ideas into impact, connecting Bradford to the world while strengthening its role as a place where talent, creativity and ambition can thrive."

Alongside book events, the festival includes the world's tiniest travelling cinema, a meet-the-publisher event for budding authors, theatre performances and free of activities for children.

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