The HuddLitFest Tipi returns with a Great Gatsby themed launch

The award-winning Huddersfield Literature Festival has announced the return of its Tipi in Lawrence Batley Theatre courtyard this May. The Tipi will launch on 13 May with a glittering Great Gatsby-themed free launch to commemorate the centenary of the publication of F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel.

A partnership initiative between the Festival, Huddersfield Live and the LBT, with sponsorship from Huddersfield BID, the Tipi will provide a meeting point and event space, open to anyone who wants to drop in. Following launch night, there will be plenty of entertainment on offer, from Open Mic nights to Bollywood dance, and from craft sessions to business networking events. Kids will have the chance to meet Spider-Man and Peter Rabbit, and take part in art and craft activities.

Festival director Michelle Hodgson said: “We are thrilled to bring the Tipi back to the theatre courtyard for a second year, thanks to our partners and new sponsor Huddersfield BID. The Tipi will be open to all and we’re hoping the town will come out and enjoy a drink in the May sunshine!”

Sam Watt, director of Huddersfield Live, said: “The team at Huddersfield Live are delighted to partner with the Festival for a second year to bring a Tipi back to Huddersfield. We look forward to working with the Festival on the Tipi programme of Open Mics, musical performances, workshop and other activities – and to welcoming the local community in for refreshments in a relaxed and friendly environment.”

Sam Sharp, manager of Huddersfield BID, said: “Huddersfield is yet again blessed with the arrival of the annual Literary Festival . The Huddersfield Literature Festival team have work immensely hard at curating what promises to be another amazing event. This year we are sponsoring the Tipi at Lawrence Batley Theatre, which we hope will bring extra engagement and footfall to the town. The programme of events this year has something to offer for everyone and has an eclectic mix of entertainment, thought-provoking stories and important themes which are all part of our lives. Please visit during the Festival week and see as many of the events as you can, and don’t forget to drop into the Tipi for networking and refreshments… say hello to the Huddersfield BID team!”

Becky Dash, chief executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said: “Lawrence Batley Theatre are thrilled to be able to host Huddersfield Literature Festival events and especially the Tipi in our Courtyard for the 2025 Festival. Our mission is to be the creative heart of the town and being able to collaborate and support events like HuddLitFest is a real pleasure and helps bring new audiences into our beautiful spaces.”
HuddLitFest25

Running from 8-18 May with a theme of ‘Yorkshire’, this year’s HuddLitFest will have a special focus on the talented authors, poets and performers of the region, including novelist Joanne Harris, comic performer Kate Fox, Balbir Singh Dance Company, and crime writer AA Dhand, creator of the BBC drama Virdee. Major names such as daytime TV star Lorraine Kelly, novelist Rachel Joyce, poet Jackie Kay, and Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant will also appear. Plus talks by Alan Johnson on Huddersfield-born PM Harold Wilson, Stuart Maconie on the Beatles, Dr Campbell Price on Ancient Egypt, and Matt Jackson-Smith from The Yorkshire Vet. The diversity of performers is reflected across the programme, from workshops, industry events and community group events to LGBTQ+ performers, a Radio Sangam Qawwali Night and online events.

The full Festival programme can be found at: https://www.huddlitfest.org.uk/ and early booking is recommended to take advantage of the many Early bird discounts.