ILKLEY Literature Festival has confirmed it is staging a hybrid festival this autumn.

Festival organisers have said they are planning a return to live events this October. Alongside a programme of pre-recorded and live-streamed digital author talks, this will be the first hybrid festival the organisation has produced.

Following audience consultations, discussions with publishers and planning sessions with local venues, the Ilkley Literature Festival will be offering a variety of ways for audiences to engage with literature events this year.

Director Erica Morris said “We received a wide range of responses from our audiences telling us how they feel about returning to live in-person events later this year. Some are excited to get back into venues as soon as possible, whilst others are more hesitant. We want to ensure that whatever your level of comfort, there is something for you at this year’s Festival.

Our digital programme resonated with many of the Festival’s existing audiences, and attracted new ones over the last year, so we want to continue providing that access. We also know how important live events are for so many people, which is why we are working closely with our venues and will be monitoring government guidelines as they evolve over the summer months to ensure we can safely welcome audiences and authors back to Ilkley this autumn.”

The full programme will be announced in mid-August and tickets will go on sale to the public on Tuesday, August 31. The Festival will run between October 1 and 17.