bradfordlitfest Sign Up Information

Caspar Addyman

Why It''s Great to be A Baby!

Tomorrow, 11th November | 2pm | Free

Join developmental psychologist, director of Goldsmith's InfantLab, and author of The Laughing Baby, Caspar Addyman, for this illuminating and uplifting talk and Q&A event.

Exploring the first two years of an infant's life, this event won't focus on the commonly-discussed moments of stress and confusion for adults and babies, and how these impact on early years cognitive and emotional development. Instead, Caspar wants to tell you why it can be GREAT to be a baby!

Together you'll explore how parents and practitioners can use their in-built instincts - not only to provide personal care and sustenance, but to tickle and play peekaboo - that have been honed over millennia, to help seed the beginnings of art, science, music and happiness in our children, and create a bond that parents and infants share as they navigate the challenges of childhood.

Attendees will leave the session with a better understanding of the rigorous scientific research which shows how laughter impacts on infant cognitive development, and an appreciation of why babies' laughter is the key to understanding our adult selves.

This event will take place on Zoom. Book now to receive the event link and further information.

On Saturday 9th May, we hosted a very special transatlantic night of poetry via Instagram Live, raising money for Bradford Hospitals Charity here in the UK and Food Bank for New York City in the USA. 

We are still taking donations!
Our Just Giving page will close on Sunday 31st May, but there''s still time to give generously to support the incredible NHS staff and volunteers working tirelessly to care for patients and families in Bradford during the current crisis. 
Click here to donate now.

If you missed the event on the night, don''t worry! You can now watch in full and on demand via our website or Youtube channel at the link below.

Hosted by Carlos Andres Gomez, this event features UK poets Nadine Aisha Jassat, Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa, Joelle Taylor, Nikita Gill and Ian McMillan alongside US poet Mahogany L. Browne.

Don''t miss our events for

Baby Week Bradford

Babies are amazing. They're born ready for everything and deserve to be celebrated.

Baby Week Bradford takes place from  9th - 13th November 2020. Organisations across the District are getting involved in partnership with local charity Better Start Bradford. With over 30 free events and activities on offer for you and your baby, don''t miss out, browse the programme now!

Laura Dockrill

What Have I Done?

Tonight | 6.30pm | Free

Award-winning author and illustrator Laura Dockrill, had an idyllic pregnancy and couldn't wait to meet her new baby. But as she went into labour and things started to go wrong, Laura began to struggle. A traumatic birth, anxiety about the baby, sleep deprivation and a slow recovery began to pile up until Laura felt overwhelmed.

As many as 8 out of 10 mums struggle in the weeks after birth; in Laura's case these feelings escalated scarily quickly into postpartum psychosis - a medical emergency which affects around 1 or 2 in 1,000 women.

In this honest, raw book, Laura shares the devastating reality of her experience - but also shares a message of hope. Not only has Laura slowly recovered - she's come out of the other side stronger, and more assured about parenting on her own terms. Now she's determined to break the silence around postnatal mental health, and with her story tell ALL new parents- you are not alone.