The Festival of Brilliant – 11-12 Jul 2025
A celebration of children's books returns to Biddulph in 2025
Hundreds of families and school children attended new children’s book festival, The Festival of Brilliant, at the magical Biddulph Old Hall in 2024. And it’s back in 2025!
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.
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 second edition of The Festival of Brilliant takes place on Friday 11th July 2025 for schools & community groups and Saturday 12th July 2025 for children of all ages and their families.
Bookings are now open!
Friday 11th July for schools & community groups RESERVE FREE PLACES HERE
Saturday 12th July for families BOOK TICKETS HERE
To submit an application to become a vendor at the festival on Saturday 12th July, APPLY HERE
For more information, please read The Festival of Brilliant FAQs.
Check out the first of The Festival of Brilliant 2025 line-up here.
This year’s edition features two Children’s Laureates Frank Cottrell Boyce and Joseph Coelho, author/illustrator Nadia Shireen, author and BookTrust Writer in Residence Patrice Lawrence, and spoken word artist Steven Camden (aka Polarbear), plus many more authors, illustrators, poets and performers.
Further programme details will be announced over the coming months, including more readings, talks, workshops, storytelling sessions and creative activities.
Explore The Festival of Brilliant 2025 programmeThe Festival of Brilliant 2024
