ONE of the organisers of the Bradford Literature Festival hailed it a fantastic success as the event drew to a close today.

The ten-day event welcomed visitors, young and old, from across the country who took part in hundreds of events spread out over 20 venues and featuring more than 350 guests including authors, artists and filmmakers.

Organiser Syima Aslam said: “The festival has been brilliant, it has been absolutely fantastic.

“The audiences have been amazing and really significant. We have had a really good turnout for practically every event. And the feedback has been amazing.

“One woman said to me, ‘this is amazing, I have been to three or four sessions over the last few days and I have really enjoyed it’. That is the kind of feedback we have been getting.

“We have had people travel from around the country to come to the festival. And the children’s workshops have been jam-packed - which is fantastic.”

She added: “I have enjoyed it. It is a real passion project for me. I am a complete book worm - I love books. And I love the whole thing of debates.

“I have loved it and enjoyed it immensely.”

Over the weekend, in City Park and Centenary Square, hundreds of children and their families enjoyed workshops - such as wand-making and mask-making - and performances based on Harry Potter and Beatrix Potter.

There was also a slam poetry event organised by the the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford and Boots Opticians.

Award-winning Yorkshire poet Saju Ahmed was joined by pupils and a teacher from Appleton Academy’s Slam Poetry club for a series of public workshops. Saju encouraged people to have a go at writing six-word poems.

Today, former Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd - a Bronte fan - led a guided coach tour of Bronte heritage sites. Thirty-five people booked onto the tour, which included Thornton village and a personal tour of Haworth Parsonage.