The Big Tasty Read – a new national celebration of reading and collaboration between national charity The Reading Agency and BBC Arts – will launch at this summer’s Bradford Literature Festival (27 June – 6 July 2025), using the universal appeal of food to inspire reading and bring communities together.
Delivered as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, the campaign will continue with an exciting programme of events led by Bradford Council’s Bradford Libraries, engaging audiences across the district and beyond.
With The Reading Agency’s research showing that 1 in 2 adults don’t read regularly, the Big Tasty Read is designed to encourage more people to discover the joy of reading. Recognising the powerful connection between food, culture, and storytelling, the campaign will highlight books that explore the role of food in our lives, whether through fiction or memoirs.
To amplify the campaign’s reach and impact, food writer and broadcaster, Grace Dent, and restaurateur and author, Nisha Katona, will join as ambassadors for The Big Tasty Read, lending their voices to champion the joys of food, reading, and shared storytelling. Their involvement will help spark national conversations around the cultural power of food and literature, bringing their personal insights and enthusiasm to readers across the UK.
A specially curated booklist, featuring a diverse range of titles, will be unveiled at Bradford Literature Festival alongside a host of events. The selection will be made by The Reading Agency in partnership with librarians, booksellers, and an expert advisory panel. The festival, renowned for its inclusive and engaging programming, provides the perfect platform to kick-start this national conversation on food and reading.
Following the launch, Bradford Libraries will deliver a programme of events, workshops, and book clubs inspired by the campaign. Supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant funding, these activities will be designed to engage a wide audience, from avid readers to those looking to rekindle their love of books. The initiative will also connect with local food communities, highlighting how food can be a gateway to storytelling, shared experiences, and cultural understanding. The public will be invited to share their own food memories and recipes on social media throughout the summer.
Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “The Big Tasty Read will inspire people across the UK to pick up a book and discover a new love of book, and we’re thrilled to be launching it as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and we hope this campaign will encourage readers of all backgrounds to discover stories that nourish both the mind and the soul.”
Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts, said: “BBC Arts is proud to be lead partner for The Big Tasty Read, bringing together the joy of books and the rich cultural significance of food. This important UK wide literacy campaign will celebrate storytelling in all its delicious forms and engage readers with narratives that connect us through taste, memory, and tradition.”
Grace Dent said: “Reading and eating are two of life’s greatest pleasures – both acts of discovery, comfort, and joy. Through this campaign, I hope to inspire people across the UK to rediscover the appetite for reading that exists in all of us, and to recognise that stories, like memorable meals, have the power to bring us together and transform our lives.“
Nisha Katona said: “Food is one of the most powerful storytellers we have. Food carries history, heritage, and heart. I’m delighted to be part of The Big Tasty Read, a campaign that celebrates not only what we eat, but who we are. Books and food have both shaped my life, and I’m thrilled to help bring communities together through the joy of reading and sharing.”
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture commented: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Big Tasty Read to celebrate the powerful connections between storytelling and food. Bradford has a rich literary history with an equally rich food experience, these worlds are brought together in this campaign, highlighting how our stories are so often infused with the flavours of home, culture, and community, no matter who we are.”
The Big Tasty Read will run throughout 2025, engaging readers across the UK through libraries, bookshops, and community events. The campaign builds on The Reading Agency’s previous successful initiatives, using thematic interest pathways to encourage reading and cultural engagement.
The full booklist and further details about the Big Tasty Read will be announced at Bradford Literature Festival.