Our Festival patrons are Lemn Sissay OBE and Sir Patrick Stewart OBE.
Lemn Sissay OBE
Lemn Sissay OBE is a poet, playwright, broadcaster and speaker. A BAFTA-nominated, international prize-winning writer, he is the author of a bestselling memoir, My Name Is Why and was awarded an OBE for services to literature. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the official poet of the 2012 Olympics, his many awards include the 2019 PEN Pinter Prize.
“Literature broadens the mind and it’s really important to have people coming to Huddersfield to stimulate new ideas and debate. Also, to help people hone their own skills as poets, as novelists, as scriptwriters, so that they can then become the next generation of writers that are affecting Yorkshire, the country, the UK and the world. The literature festival is a sweet reminder to people of what is theirs – of what they have a right to.”
Lemn Sissay OBE
Patrick Stewart OBE
Patrick Stewart OBE is a film, television and stage actor of world renown. As well as a distinguished career as a stage actor, including many Shakespearean roles, he is known for his portrayals of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men series of movies and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the TV series and movies of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Born in Mirfield near Huddersfield, he is a keen supporter of Huddersfield Town football club.
“Words – whether storytelling, poetry, drama, novels or discussion – are a powerful way of exploring issues from love and death to social matters and human rights. The Huddersfield Literature Festival aims to ‘bring words to life’, and whatever your sphere of interest, you are likely to find something here to move, inspire, entertain or provoke thought. Arts and culture enhance our lives as individuals and bring us together as a society. As someone whose profession relies on words and the way they are delivered, I’m proud to champion the festival and its activities. Why not come and see for yourself what’s on offer.”
Sir Patrick Stewart OBE
