Ilkley Literature Festival has bucked the economic trend by attracting more corporate backing than ever.

Eight new sponsors have signed up to support the event, including the regional tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, which has promised new street banners and ticket stocks as well as sponsorship of one of the flagship events.

Big names such as Yorkshire’s own Michael Parkinson have confirmed their appearance at this year’s festival and the full programme is due to be announced shortly.

Organisers say the backing is testament to the popularity of the showcase of literary talent at a time when many businesses are cutting back on corporate sponsorship.

Festival director Rachel Feldberg said: “We are delighted to announce Welcome to Yorkshire as a new major sponsor for Ilkley Literature Festival, along with Skipton Building Society who remain our headline sponsor.

“The partnership will enable us to highlight the wealth of outstanding writers and poets we showcase at the festival each year to an even wider audience.

“We are looking forward to playing our part in encouraging people to get out and about in this wonderful county, which has inspired writers for centuries from Charlotte Bronte to David Peace; and to welcoming people from further afield who hear about Ilkley Literature Festival via the yorkshire.com website.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said they were proud to support the festival and added: “Yorkshire has a strong reputation for offering vibrant and exciting events and Ilkley Literature Festival is certainly one of these.

“Set in the beautiful spa town of Ilkley nestling at the foot of the famous Ilkley Moor, the festival offers visitors a chance to soak up culture from some of the most respected names in literature, in some of the most beautiful surroundings in Yorkshire.”

Applications to become a friend of the festival, which allows booking before tickets are released to the wider public, have also opened but must be submitted before the closing date of Saturday, July 31.

This year, supporters are being offered the chance to buy a gold subscription, which includes names being credited on programmes and discounts in return for an annual fee.

Tickets for the festival, which runs from October 1 to 17, will go on sale at the end of August. To register as a friend, visit ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.