Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) got underway on Friday, bringing an exciting programme of cultural events to the district.

The festival will take people on a journey through time, offering more than 500 events for adults and children throughout the 10 day event.

This year’s festival will feature an impressive line-up of authors, artists, curators and historians.

People can dive into anything from fairytales, feminism and film to poetry, painting and politics.

The annual celebration kicked off with BLF's first ever Creative Economic Conference, featuring talks from esteemed guests. 

The line-up included Shirley Congdon, vice chancellor at the University of Bradford, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire and former MP for Batley and Spen.

“We're going to make West Yorkshire the go-to place for ideas, opportunity, culture and creativity,” the Mayor told the audience.

Some parents got their groove on at the daytime baby rave while the famous bookshop tent offers an escape for literature lovers of all ages.

There will be free or ‘pay as you feel’ events alongside the festival's ticketed talks and experiences.

The festival explores stories from all over the world, feminism, comedy, sport, crime, tours and interactive activities, poetry, politics, art, music, history, Tai Chi and yoga.

You can view the full programme via www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk