Monty Python star turned travel writer Michael Palin gave a preview of his new book and four-part tele-vision series when he visited Ilkley Literature Festival on Tuesday.
Yorkshire-born Mr Palin, 69, gave an illustrated talk in a sell-out event at King’s Hall, selling and signing copies of his book, Brazil, ahead of its official public release date on October 11.
He also spoke of his memories of visiting Ilkley in the past, filming the Monty Python ‘Hermits’ sketch at the Cow and Calf Rocks, and recalling scenes shot in the Winter Garden for 1984 film A Private Function.
Despite his epic televised journeys around the world, Brazil was one country he had never visited prior to filming his most recent documentary series.
He visited four areas of the country, which now has the sixth largest economy in the world. The journey saw him stay with indigenous peoples in the Amazon, meet an expert in martial art capoeira, celebrate the handover of a new Embraer airliner, and take part in a gay pride parade in Rio de Janeiro.
Mr Palin entertained the Ilkley audience with the type of anecdotes he is well known for and impressions of characters he met on his trip.
New travel series Brazil will be screened on BBC1 from Wednesday October 24.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article