THIS year’s Bradford Literature Festival began today, with Centenary Square transformed into a book-lovers’ paradise.

The 10-day festival will feature more than 200 events spread out over 20 venues, and scores of guests from all corners of the literary world.

A giant inflatable building, which will act as the festival hub for its 10 days, was installed outside Bradford City Hall.

Inside, visitors will find a pop-up Waterstones store, selling books by some of the participating authors, a cafe and box office for the events.

The hub will open from 9am until just before the final event of each day.

Also set up in Centenary Square for the entirety of the festival is the Knowledge Emporium. Run by Slung Low, the emporium is a caravan that has been converted into a sweet shop. Every day of the festival, people can drop in and impart a piece of knowledge. In return they will be rewarded with sweets. At the end of the festival members of Slung Low will demonstrate some of the knowledge they have been given.

Terence Rae, one of the group running the emporium, said: “We will not be questioning the knowledge people give us. The aim is to show people that everyone has something worthwhile to offer.”

Children attending the festival will be able to pop into a unit set up by Boots in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Inside they will be able to take part in storytelling and arts and crafts sessions and get a free book. They will also be encouraged to read to staff, and their families offered advice on eye testing.

Documenter-in-residence Lou Sumray began drawing and painting the events of the festival today, which she will continue doing for the entire 10 days.

Also taking place tonight is a sold-out comedy night featuring top female comedians, a Bollywood jazz night in Bradford College and a debate on How To Be A Feminist, featuring editor Lennie Goodings, poet Ralph Dartford and columnist Mona Eltahawy.

This weekend’s events include a superhero-themed day in City Park tomorrow, and the arrival of a pirate ship in the mirror pool and a Peter Pan and fairytale-themed day on Sunday. To book an event, visit bradfordliteraturefestival.co.uk or pop into the hub.

Read more about Bradford Literature Festival here.