A foretaste of Leeds City of Languages, a vibrant festival celebrating our languages and global connections, plus soundscapes from Czech artist based in Ostracva, Nela Bartova.

Poetry! Alan Smith has taught in universities & prisons. Now he's writing his own poetry. Jaimes Lewis Moran, Seacroft poet, reads from his brand new collection themed around hospitality. What is it about poetry? What can a poem do?

‘Eyes closed, deep inhale: the smell of freshly battered fish takes him back to his dad’s old shop’… Actor Rayyah McCaul on an evocative journey around Leeds with her father.

Michelle Heighway has won awards for her documentary making and photography. But now she's published her debut poetry collection, Step Into My Flow. Why poetry? Why now?

Peter Spafford's audio diary of his visit to Ostrava in Czechia (Sept 2025) where he was invited to read poetry & talk about the perception of Czech writing in the UK. Interviews with Czech writers & organisers plus music from Dalava, a Czech/Canadian band re-interpreting Moravian folksong.

Trevor Wishart is a composer based in York internationally known for his work with digital audio media. He has also written extensively about 'sonic art'. He talks about his work.

Julia Sherwood has, with her husband Peter, translated a number of Slovak & Czech works of fiction. She talks about the rise of modern Slovak literature in translation & the delicate art of translating.

Maz Sultan and three writers contributing to the upcoming collection of writing from Leeds, Manthology talk about this exciting new project and read their work. Poems from Joe Spivey, Huw Parlor and Paul Proctor and Maz Sultan.

The First Ever Yorkshire ThriddingsFest happens soon. A celebration of Yorkshire’s communities and their cultural heritage; poetry, folklore, Punjabi Dhol, Roma music. Learn more.

Adam Farrer talks about his critically acclaimed new book of essays, Broken Biscuits And Other Male Failures, published by Harper North. What do men really want? Or need? Adam's book Cold Fish Soup was the 2023 Readathon choice.