Ilkley Literature Festival’s 2012 programme broke all records by attracting more than 25,000 visitors in total to its 200-plus events.

This year’s 17-day festival officially came to a close on Sunday, and festival director Rachel Feldberg has labelled it “extremely successful”.

Only two events remain in the 2012 calendar – a dry stone walling workshop in Ilkley on Saturday and the rescheduled appearance by Hilary Devey at The Grammar School in Leeds on November 9, for which tickets are still available.

The festival has seen big names, ranging from Monty Python favourite Michael Palin to sports commentator and face of the BBC’s 2012 London Olympics coverage, Clare Bald-ing, attract capacity audiences to venues across Ilkley.

Events associated with the festival included talks by major writers and personalities, workshops, commissioned poetry and many fringe events, including free activities and events for children and their parents.

About 1,600 people enjoyed free events this year, Ms Feldberg confirmed, and 2,500 children and parents came to events aimed at families and young people.

Ms Feldberg, above, said: “It was extremely successful and we were delighted with it. There were so many memorable things.”

Moments she felt stood out from this year’s festival included children’s writer Michael Morpurgo – author of War Horse – leading a 500-strong audience at the King’s Hall in singing the same Christmas carols as First World War soldiers had done in the 1914 festive truce.

Another high point, says Ms Feldberg, was Clare Balding’s well-received appearance at the King’s Hall on Friday.

Now organisers are turning their attention to a major landmark for next year’s festival, when it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

“Next year is going to be huge,” said Ms Feldberg.

“There are lots of exciting ideas we want to explore, and there’ll be some really lovely surprises as well.”