Bradford’s fifth World Curry Festival sees a new collaboration with Ilkley Literature Festival to present Poetry In The City, a pro-gramme of varied poetry events over three days in June.

The programme presents work-shops, a multi-lingual Mushaira and free family activities. Some of the best-known names in British poetry will perform at the festival including Barnsley Bard Ian McMillan, who opens proceedings with illustrator Tony Husband.

They will present a live-action improvised cartoon, providing an evening of fast-flowing adventure reflecting local stories and legends.

Also performing is Bradford’s Joolz Denby, joined by Ilkley Literature Festival veteran James Nash for Spirit Stories at City Hall. These dramatic and moving stories tell the tale of people’s lives and their journeys through life.

Highlights include a masterclass led by Simon Armitage, providing a unique opportunity for new and experienced poets alike to write under the instruction of one of the UK’s leading poets. The multi-award winning poet and play-wright will also read from both recent and older works.

Also featured is Radio 4 regular Roger McGough, presenting As Far As I Know, an event of menace, melancholy and plenty of McGough’s characteristic wit and wordplay.

Lining up to perform Live Wires – Poetry Showcase, a performance of verbal fireworks, are young poets Saju Anhmed and Rheiman Ibrahiim, from the documentary, We Are Poets, with Ilkley Literature Festival Open Mic final-ist Jamal Gerald, and Channel 4’s West Yorkshire Playhouse writer-in-residence Zodwa Nyoni.

Ilkley Literature Festival director Rachel Feldberg said: “We have brought together a fantastic blend of poets from all over the north of the country, including some spe-cial performances.

“Poetry has always been an impor-tant element of the Ilkley Literature Festival and it is great that we are able to create a plat-form for a younger generation of poets to perform alongside and be inspired by some of the best known poets of our generation.”

World Curry Festival Director Zulfi Karim added: “For me, curry and culture blend together so seamless-ly. Just like food, poetry is some-thing that is far better shared.

“Poetry is food for the soul, so lends itself brilliantly to what this festival is all about, and we hope it will bring new audiences to the festival.”

POETRY IN THE CITY – WHAT’S ON

FRIDAY, JUNE 20 A Cartoon History Of Here with Ian McMillan and Tony Husband. Theatre Marquee, City Park, 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

True Grit – film and poetry with Kate Fox, Joe Hakim and Mike Watts, City Hall, 8pm to 9.30pm.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21 Patience Agbabi Masterclass, City Hall, 10am to 12pm.

Daljit Nagra Masterclass, Central Library, 11am to 1pm.

Food In Poetry: Moniza Alvi Masterclass, City Hall, 12.30pm 2.30pm.

Ready, Steady, Poem! Theatre Marquee, City Park, 15 minutes of fun poetry with Nick Toczek, 12.45pm, 4.45pm and Zodwa Nyoni, 2.45pm. Free.

Patience Agbabi: Telling Tales, Banqueting Hall, City Hall, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Live Wires – Poetry Showcase, O2 Stage, City Park, 1.30pm to 2pm.

A Feast Of Poets, City Hall, 3.30 pm to 4.30pm.

Poetry Slam, O2 Stage, City Park, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Free.

Joolz Denby & James Nash, Spirit Stories, City Hall, 8pm to 9pm.

Poetry Treasure Hunt, Bradford City Centre, 12pm to 4pm. Free.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22 As Far As I Know, with Roger McGough.

Hilton Hotel, Hall Ings, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Simon Armitage – Masterclass, City Hall, 4pm to 6pm.

Simon Armitage, Hilton Hotel, 7.30pm to 9pm.

Poetry Treasure Hunt, Bradford City Centre, 12pm-4pm. Free.

  • Tickets go on sale at 10am from April 28 online at ilkleyliteraturefestival.com or at Bradford’s Waterstones store. Tickets for the ticketed events will also be available at the door on the day. Workshop places are limited.