ON behalf of the staff and Board of Ilkley Literature Festival, I would like to say a huge thank you to the people of Ilkley for all their support over the last few weeks. It has been very heartening to know that so many people are behind us and took the trouble to contact Bradford Council to voice their concern about the proposed cut to our grant. Support from the public made all the difference in persuading Bradford Council to change its mind and we are very grateful to the hundreds of people who took it upon themselves to comment on the council website, write to the press, share our updates on social media, phone Radio Leeds or simply stop us in the street to offer their support.

I’d also like to thank MP Kris Hopkins, Labour parliamentary candidate John Grogan and Councillors Mike Gibbons and Anne Hawkesworth – all of whom worked hard on the festival’s behalf behind the scenes.

We are now looking forward to October and to continue to give the town a Festival to be proud of.

Rachel Feldberg

Director, Ilkley Literature Festival