Ilkley Literature Festival is produced by Word Up North, a year-round literature development organisation. We provide opportunities for mentoring and talent development in the north of England. Discover and apply for our latest opportunities here.

New Northern Poets 2024

New Northern Poets is a unique mentoring opportunity for six rising poets in the north of England, run by Word Up North in partnership with The University of Leeds Poetry Centre. 

The New Northern Poets programme aims to discover and promote new talent, particularly from backgrounds currently underrepresented within the cultural and publishing sector. There are six places available and the programme will provide New Northern Poets with opportunities to improve their practice, receive 1:1 mentoring from experienced writers and join a network of peers to grow their confidence and experience in both writing and performing their poetry. This is an opportunity for emerging poets at the start of their poetic careers, so while a genuine interest in developing your skills is essential, extensive previous writing experience is not.

Applications are now closed. Keep an eye on our website for further announcements in July!

Brimham Rocks Writer-in-Residence 2024

The National Trust in partnership with Word Up North is seeking a Writer-in-Residence for Brimham Rocks, near Pateley Bridge in North Yorkshire. The site’s mysterious and awe-inspiring rock formations are a magnet for geologists, naturalists, climbers, walkers and young families.

The writer will research and develop original work inspired by Brimham Rocks’ natural environment and its people; create and run workshops for aspiring nature writers; and work with local primary school children to help them create their own written responses to site. The residency will take place over 5 months from June – October 2024 and will culminate in a public event to share the work created through the programme.

Applications for this position are now closed.