Syima Aslam MBE, along with Irna Qureshi, established the Bradford Literature Festival (BLF), in 2014. It has grown to become the largest literature festival in the North of England and a key event in the UK’s cultural calendar. Spread over ten days, the festival has attracted the biggest names in literature and is rooted in ensuring diverse voices are represented as well as encouraging participation from all sectors of society. It has played a key role in getting Bradford recognized as the City of Culture 2025.