The Festival of Brilliant – 10-11 Jul 2026

For the past two years Staffordshire Moorland’s own children’s book festival, The Festival of Brilliant, has been welcoming families and children to the magical Biddulph Old Hall for stories, spectacles and all things books. Not only is the festival back for 2026, but it is also the National Year of Reading! 

We believe that books and stories have the power to change the world. Families and school children from across the Moorlands are invited to join us and a raft of world class authors, illustrators and artists for an incredible festival to feed their imaginations. 

The Festival of Brilliant has been established by a group of children and young people, teachers, librarians, artists and authors from the Moorlands who share a love of reading. 

Who’s it for? 

Everyone, but particularly children in the Staffordshire Moorlands. We’re once again working with a range of brilliant local groups including the women’s refuge, housing association, community zone and SEND parent’s group to make our festival as inclusive and accessible as possible. 

Friday’s schools and community event will have programming aimed at Key Stage 2, specifically years 3 and 4.

What is it? 

It’s a celebration of how brilliant children’s books are. Inspired by the podcast, The Island of Brilliant, the festival features readings, talks, workshops, performances, installations and activities to feed the imagination. 

Where is it? 

Biddulph Old Hall is our really brilliant venue. It has a magical, exploratory, fairy tale feel, offering the perfect backdrop for children to feed their imagination. 

When is it? 

The third edition of The Festival of Brilliant takes place on Friday 10th July 2026 for schools & community groups and Saturday 11th July 2026 for children of all ages and their families. 

Get your Friday (schools – years 3 & 4) tickets here.

Get your Saturday (families) tickets here. 

For more information, please read The Festival of Brilliant FAQs.