Ilkley Lit Fest Young Writers Group

Runs on Monday evenings in term time 6.30pm–8.30pm at Christchurch on the Grove Ilkley (the big church just opposite The Grove Bookshop) three minutes from Ilkley bus/rail station. It’s for anyone aged 13-17 who can get to Ilkley.

Be part of a special weekly group for young writers. You’ll be finding fun ways to write poetry, short stories and plays with our workshop leaders Michelle Scally-Clarke and Becky Cherriman and be involved in our mega poetry and writing project with Simon Armitage.

Age 13–17 Everyone welcome. £1 per session. It helps us if you text beforehand on 07932 738742 to tell us if you are coming along for the first time but it’s not essential.

2011 Festival!

There were lots of exciting events for young people at this year’s Festival in October 2011 including…….

Young People’s WordsFest

Our third annual WordsFest for young people aged 12 to 18 at Otley Courthouse Arts Centre featuring a juice bar, chocolate cake, loads of workshops for young writers, and headline writer, Kevin Crossley-Holland, talking about his work and a fast and furious poetry and prose slam. With prizes of course..

Age 12-18.

Cool Voices Words Club Night

Young writers and musicians aged 13-17 took part in our exciting ‘words’ Club Night on Friday 14th October 2011 at Otley Courthouse Arts Centre in Otley watched by their friends and families. They performed their own performance poetry, rap, songs, sketches, stand up comedy routines and songs. It could be you! All you have to do is join one of our Young People’s Club Nights through the year. More…

Breaking News: Make a Newspaper in a Day

Work with a real journalist and graphic designer to create a Festival newspaper. Write the top stories, interview Festival celebs, review events, dig up the gossip.

In collaboration with Leeds College of Art

Press Pack: Write a Review

Young people found out how to write great reviews with journalist Andrea Hardaker, then set off with their press ticket to a Festival event.

See some examples of their reviews here.

Age 12–18.

Meet Melvin Burgess and See Both Sides

A chance to meet one of the UK’s leading young people’s writers, renowned for his great events with teenagers, as he talks about Kill All Enemies, his new book which shows us another side of even the most difficult young people.

Age 13 upwards.

Meg Rosoff

Meg Rosoff is the award-winning author of numerous books for teenagers, including the bestselling How I Live Now, famous as a ‘crossover’ book equally enjoyed by adults. There Is No Dog is a funny, thought-provoking exploration of what the world would look like if God were a lazy, self-obsessed, teenage boy called Bob, desperate for a girlfriend.

Age 13 upwards.

Flip: Martyn Bedford and Jennifer Donnelly

Two highly respected writers who create outstanding work for young people. American author Jennifer Donnelly’s hugely successful debut novel, A Gathering Light, was a Richard and Judy Summer Read and won the Carnegie Medal. Her new book, Revolution, is set in modern-day New York and Paris during the Revolution. Ilkley’s Martyn Bedford, author of five adult novels, has now written a ‘brilliant, engrossing, thought provoking, psychological thriller’ for young people. Alex finds himself in the body of a boy called Flip, whose family gives a whole new meaning to the phrase dysfunctional

Age 13 upwards.

David Almond

The legendary, multi award-winning children’s and young people’s writer (Whitbread, Smarties, Carnegie) – author of Skellig – makes a welcome return to the Festival to talk about his powerful new book, The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean.

Age 12 upwards.

Young People’s Stanza Stones Showcase

Imagine Lady Gaga out for a walk on the moors… Young people aged 12–26 from Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Calderdale and the Wharfe Valley perform work they’ve created as part of our exciting 18-month project with Simon Armitage.