Inaugurated in 1973 by the poet W. H. Auden and until 1988 held every two years, the festival is the oldest and largest of its type in the north of England.
[2] Attracting many important international literary figures, its two-week programme, starting at the end of September, now features more than 250 events, which take place in a variety of venues in Ilkley and surrounding towns and villages.
[3] The Yorkshire Arts Association literature panel approved the plans and promised a grant provided the urban district council made a similar commitment.
They included Leeds University lecturer Robin Alston and Manor House Museum curator Arthur Kitching.
At a meeting at the Ilkley Town Hall in March 1972, the group organised a steering committee and local councillor, Molly Renton (the only woman) became the Chair.