THE director of Ilkley Literature Festival has assured Olicanians the event is 'staying put' in the town, despite its rapid expansion this year.

David Porter has also revealed Ilkley will host an international event dedicated to the life and works of poet laureate Ted Hughes next October.

Poets and academics will gather in the town to celebrate the life of the poet, one of the patrons of the Ilkley Literature Festival.

Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, festival director David Porter said the two-week event would be 'very high profile' with several surprises in store.

"I think it will be an event of national and international importance," he said. Mr Porter was speaking as the Ilkley Literature Festival's 25th anniversary celebrations draw to a close this weekend (Sunday November 29).

Mr Porter also reaffirmed the festival's committment to retaining its base in Ilkley, despite notable successes with festival events elsewhere in Yorkshire, such as Bradford.

Benjamin Zephaniah headlines the festival finale - Stand Up and Deliver, at the Craiglands Hotel on Sunday.

A tired but satisfied Mr Porter said: "It has been a fantastic year. I would say about 90 per cent of the things we have tried have come off. One of the major aims of this 25th anniversary year was to try and secure an audience for the next 25 years."

A survey has been carried out by Mr Porter and his colleagues to see if the event has been successful in broadening its appeal. "We don't have the results in yet but I have a hunch we will see success in terms of attracting younger people to these events and becoming more interested in literature," he said.

Part of the plan to attract a younger audience in this 25th season was the appointment of Amy Young to head the festival's Outreach section. Mr Porter said: "We very much hope to continue with the Outreach work throughout next year."

Amy has enjoyed a very busy year, organising everything from performance poets and Pop TV to setting up sports journalism courses for budding writers at Elland Road, home of Leeds United.

Mr Porter said he was delighted with the number of sell-out events throughout the year, and with the appearances of familiar names and the not so familiar.

Funding is vital to the future success of the festival and Mr Porter said this area would have to be examined closely. "Obviously we have had the Lottery money (more than £80,000) for this year but we will need to find other sources for 1999," he said.

Following the Stand Up and Deliver event, which also features the The Rommi Smith Band, Raabtha and Ian Duhig, an exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary will be held at the Manor House Museum.

Mr Porter said: "Having had so many events this year, I think it is important to have some breathing space for ourselves and also the audience. Hopefully, by organising a big event for October, it will allow people time to really build up their enthusiasm once again." Further information can be obtained from the Ilkley Literature Festival office on 01943 601210.

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