By KLTV Newsdesk –

Quiz Night and star-studded talk among events to raise money for 2026 celebrations

The multi-award-winning Huddersfield Literature Festival (HuddLitFest) has announced two fundraising events this October, as organisers prepare to mark the Festival’s 20th anniversary in 2026.

With arts funding and grants becoming increasingly scarce, the Festival is turning to local audiences for support to ensure its landmark celebration goes ahead as planned.

Quiz Night Kicks Off Fundraising Efforts

The first event will be a Quiz Night & Festival Fundraiser on Thursday 2 October at 6 pm, held at Sons of the North in Armitage Bridge.

Teams of four can take part for £40, with prizes including Read bookshop vouchers, Lawrence Batley Theatre tickets, Lost Property afternoon tea, wine and even a giant toy bunny.

Tickets can be booked through the Festival’s website.

The Yorkshire Shepherdess Comes to Town

The second event will take place on Sunday 12 October at 4 pm, when Amanda Owen – The Yorkshire Shepherdess – takes to the stage at Huddersfield Town Hall.

The Huddersfield-born TV star and author will share “entertaining and heartwarming stories” from her life in the Yorkshire Dales, where she raises nine children and has renovated a historic farmstead into a new family home.

Tickets are available from the Town Hall box office, with Early Bird offers currently on sale.

‘Bringing Major Names to Huddersfield’

Festival Director Michelle Hodgson said: “Securing funds to support the Festival always involves a lot of hard work, and this year has proved even more challenging, which is why we are holding these fundraising events.

“We hope that local audiences will support these events, so that we can continue to bring major names to Huddersfield, support emerging talent and offer free and low-cost events at our 20th anniversary Festival next year.”

A Festival with Impact

HuddLitFest is one of Huddersfield’s most beloved annual events, and has built a reputation for accessibility and inclusivity, winning the Accessible & Inclusive Award at the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards in 2022.

Alongside headline speakers, the Festival also runs a dedicated Schools Programme, giving young people opportunities to engage with literature and creative writing.

The full line-up for the 20th anniversary edition in May 2026 will be announced early next year.

You can check out highlights and livestreams from previous year’s events right here on KLTV.

More information is available at: www.huddlitfest.org.uk