Word Up North is a Yorkshire-based literature development organisation with a mission to raise up voices, stories and writers in the north of England. Our work fosters a love of reading, writing and creativity within individuals and communities, and uses the power of the written and spoken word to create positive change.
We are proud to be a registered charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).
Find out more about our upcoming events, activities and online content.
October 2026
Pioneers in word power since 1973. Word Up North programmes the annual Ilkley Literature Festival, the longest-running literature festival in the north.
