Anne Brontë (and her sisters) at the Bradford Literature Festival 2024

Today, July 7, is Brontë day at the Bradford Literature Festival 2024:

Christa Ackroyd

Brontë Heritage Tour

Sunday, 7 July 2024 | 08:45 – 17:00

The Midland Hotel, BD1 4HU 

Bradford Literature Festival’s flagship event returns for another foray into the world of the Brontë family. For Brontë fans, this is a truly unmissable event, offering a unique insight into the lives and works of Bradford’s most famous siblings.  

This specially curated tour is led by Brontë enthusiast, Christa Ackroyd, and features a number of highlights. Journey by vintage coach to the Brontës’ childhood home in Thornton village and lunch (included) at Branwell Brontë’s favourite local spot, The Lord Nelson pub.  

During the tour, you’ll be treated to marvellous views of the same moors that called to Heathcliff and Catherine, as well as intriguing historical insights on the family from our knowledgeable guide and host.  

The tour includes admission to the Brontë Parsonage Museum, located in the house where the sisters penned their beloved novels, and an exclusive talk by the museum’s knowledgeable staff. 

Although this is a bus tour, some outdoor walking is involved. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. 

Dr Michael Stewart
In the Footsteps of the Brontës: Heritage Walking Tour

Sunday, 7 July 2024 | 10:00 – 15:00

Old Bell Chapel, BD13 3AB 

Set off on a walking tour from The Old Bell Chapel, Thornton, following in the footsteps of Yorkshire’s most famous literary siblings, taking you from the Brontës’ birthplace in Thornton village to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth. 

As you travel through the stunning Yorkshire landsca
pe, your guide and Brontë Stones project creator, Michael Stewart, will share the stories behind the written responses of Carol Ann Duffy, Kate Bush, Jackie Kay and Jeanette Winterson to the famous literary sisters, which were specifically commissioned by the festival in 2018. 

A nine-mile, linear five-hour trek, this walking tour passes through narrow styles, slippery surfaces, steps and uneven ground. 

Appropriate footwear and weather-durable clothing is essential. You will stop for a picnic halfway through your walk, so make sure you bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. 

Adelle Hay, Nick Holland, Helen Meller

Anne Brontë and Agnes Grey: Parallels of Resilience and Reality

Sunday, 7 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00

French Ballroom, The Midland Hotel, BD1 4HU

On the 175th anniversary of the death of Anne Brontë, we are joined by authors and Brontë experts, Adelle Hay and Nick Holland, to explore her life, legacy, and her debut novel, Agnes Grey.  

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, this poignant novel follows the experiences of Agnes, a governess, as she navigates the complexities of love, morality, and social class, which is argued to mirror Anne’s own life.  

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Brontës or new to their literary legacy, this event promises to be a captivating journey into the heart and mind of Anne Brontë and her timeless masterpiece, Agnes Grey.  

Samantha Ellis, Rose Gant, Helen Meller

Breaking Boundaries: Anne Brontë's Feminist Legacy

Sunday, 7 July 2024 | 14:30 – 15:30

French Ballroom, The Midland Hotel, BD1 4HU

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as we celebrate the enduring feminist legacy of Anne Brontë, a pioneering voice in Victorian literature, with Brontë scholar, Rose Gant, and Anne Brontë biographer, Samantha Ellis. 

Anne, often overshadowed by her sisters, Charlotte and Emily, challenged societal norms and championed women’s rights through her groundbreaking novels and poetry. 

From her portrayal of strong, independent female characters to her unflinching exploration of themes, such as domestic abuse, addiction, and female agency, Anne’s writings continue to resonate with modern audiences and inspire generations of feminists.