The Festival of Brilliant, which returns to Biddulph this summer, is going “all in” for the National Year of Reading, announcing the first of its line-up of authors, illustrators, poets and performers.
This year’s edition of the children’s book festival features award-winning author and poet Joseph Coelho, alongside acclaimed creators Bethan Woollvin, Jenny McLachlan, Chris Haughton, Lisette Auton and Kieran Larwood. Organised by arts programme OUTSIDE and Staffordshire Moorlands librarians, working with a group of children and young people, teachers, artists and authors from the district who share a love of reading, the festival takes place at Biddulph Old Hall on 10th July for schools and community groups, and 11th July for families.
This year’s festival is supported by Arts Council England National Lottery funding secured by Staffordshire County Council, alongside support from Staffordshire Community Foundation, reinforcing a shared commitment to making reading, creativity and cultural experiences accessible to children and families across the Moorlands during this landmark year for literacy.
A stellar line-up of authors will bring stories to life across the festival weekend. Former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho returns to the festival, inviting audiences to explore the power of poetry and performance. Bethan Woollvin and Jenny McLachlan will share their imaginative worlds through lively sessions, while Chris Haughton joins the programme with his much-loved storytelling style. Lisette Auton will deliver an energetic, interactive session celebrating creativity, representation and world-building, and Kieran Larwood invites young adventurers to test their skills in a thrilling, puzzle-filled Dungeon Runner experience. E.L. Norry will also take audiences on an inspiring journey through storytelling, encouraging children to discover the stories within themselves.
Illustrators and artists will host a range of hands-on, creative sessions. Cartoonist Marc Jackson returns with his ever-popular comic workshops, teaching children how to create funny characters and bring stories to life through illustration. Author and illustrator Matt Buckingham will lead a collaborative drawing and storytelling session, while Charlotte Rowley and Gabriella Gay will offer poetry workshops and drop-in sessions for children to explore rhyme, imagination and creative writing.
Across the grounds of Biddulph Old Hall, festival goers will be immersed in a world of stories through performances and installations. The Magic Lantern returns with its enchanting mix of storytelling, puppetry and music, while Noisy Noise Noise by Working Boys Club offers a playful, interactive sound library created with and for children. Cat and Mouse Theatre presents BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY, a high-energy, immersive theatre experience where iconic characters from children’s literature collide in a chaotic and joyful literary mash-up. Musician and author David Gibb will also bring stories to life through song and performance.
Further programme details will be announced over the coming months, including more readings, talks, workshops, storytelling sessions and creative activities. There will also be a selection of food and drink stalls, a mini craft market and the enchanting gardens of Biddulph Old Hall for visitors to enjoy.
Katie Aldous, director of OUTSIDE, said: “We’re so excited to be back at the magical Biddulph Old Hall for another year of The Festival of Brilliant. As part of the National Year of Reading, we’re going all in to celebrate children’s books and the joy they bring. With this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, Read to the Beat, it feels like the perfect moment to explore the rhythm, energy and creativity of stories in all their forms. We can’t wait to welcome schools, community groups and families from across the Moorlands to join us for a truly brilliant weekend.”
Catherine Mann MBE, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural & Safer Communities, Economy, Infrastructure & Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be returning with Festival of Brilliant for 2026. We are so pleased that the successful Arts Council funding will enable the festival to attract some of the very best children’s authors and illustrators and, in turn, inspire more young people to discover the joys and benefits of reading in this very special Year of Reading. This will be the third consecutive children’s book festival, and I’d encourage both avid readers or those looking for inspiration to pop the date in their diaries.”
Tickets are available now for Saturday 11th July 2026 at festivalofbrilliant.org (£12 supporter, £8 standard, £5 subsidised, under 3s free).
The Festival of Brilliant is supported by OUTSIDE, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Libraries, Support Staffordshire, The Island of Brilliant, The Reading Agency, BookTrust, The National Year of Reading, Staffordshire Virtual School, Staffordshire Moorland Family Hub, The Community Foundation, Your Housing, We Love the Moorlands, Stoke on Trent Lions Club, Biddulph Town Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Arts Council England.
