The Festival of Brilliant 2025 Programme
The Festival of Brilliant is a celebration of children’s books in Biddulph. It takes place on 11th & 12th July 2025 at Biddulph Old Hall. Find out more about the festival here. And check out the programme of brilliant authors, illustrators, poets and performers below! You can view the full digital version of the printed programme here.
What’s on : Friday 11th July 2025 – for schools & community groups
Joseph Coelho
Genies grant wishes, that’s all anyone ever cares about, but they forget that genies were imprisoned in those lamps for a reason! Join acclaimed children’s author, Joseph Coelho OBE, for an interactive event featuring an unlikely new hero in Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter. Discover a world of adventure and genie lore, learn all about the history and inspiration behind the action-packed story, and uncover the skills it takes to be a world class genie hunter. Joseph Coelho was the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–2024, and is an award-winning poet, playwright and writer.
Patrice Lawrence
Join award-winning author and BookTrust Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence, for an enthralling event celebrating her latest page-turning mystery People Like Stars. Dive into a story of long-buried secrets and the unshakable power of friendship, as Patrice introduces a unique and unexpected cast of characters on a mission to uncover the truth about Vixen—a mysterious graffiti artist with possible ties to a chequered family past. Expect surprises at every turn as Patrice discusses the real-life inspirations behind her work, the pride and vibrancy of mixed heritage, and shares invaluable tips on crafting your own compelling mystery. Age range KS2 – 8-12 years old.
Steven Camden (Polarbear)
Join award-winning writer and performer Steven Camden aka Polarbear for a session of story building. Create characters, worlds and stories from nothing in a relaxed and talky workshop where we turn blank paper into whatever we like.
Adeola Sokunbi
Get your pencils and sketchbooks at the ready for an INKTASTIC event! Author and illustrator Adeola Sokunbi introduces the wonderful world of Destiny Ink, who uses creativity to overcome her worries. Expect a colourful doodle workshop where children can unleash their imaginations to draw their very own friendly (or scary!) monsters while celebrating the magic of creativity.
Alan Pollock
Alan Pollock is a playwright, TV writer, radio writer and children’s author. His book The Bear who went to War was published in 2019, and adapted for the stage in 2024. Alan came across the story while working with Polish emigrés in Coventry and was struck by the youth and bravery of the Polish soldiers and the bond they developed with Wojtek.
Bethan Woollvin
Join author/illustrator Bethan Woollvin for a fun-filled fairytale workshop inspired by her twisted tale Rapunzel. During this session, Bethan will share her love of fairytales, read her version of Rapunzel, and give a behind-the-scenes peek at her artwork process. This will be followed by an exciting fairytale-themed drawing activity! Ideal for children aged 4 and up.
Kate Slater
Find out how illustrator Kate Slater makes her characterful wildlife illustrations using all sorts of paper scraps in this interactive session. Create a collage of your own to take home, inspired by nature and the great outdoors.
Marc Jackson
Join cartoonist Marc Jackson (BEANO, The Phoenix, Hey Kids Comics and GOOF) as he teaches you all about his favourite thing to make, COMICS!! You’ll learn the basics, and a little more, about comics themselves and how to create funny characters to go inside them. All skill levels are welcome.
Matt Buckingham
Join author and illustrator Matt Buckingham for a gentle story session with a drawing activity where the audience helps create characters in a collaborative workshop. Matt is the co-owner of Muddy Publishing, based in Stoke, who have a stall in the Marvellous Makers area of the festival.
Noisy Noise Noise – Working Boys Club
Noisy Noise Noise is an interactive sound library for noisy children and their grown-ups. With the help of hundreds of very noisy kids, Working Boys Club made this fun, interactive installation to make sure that everyone is seen and heard. There are over 90 books, each of which will, when pressed with a gentle finger, trigger a noise. It could be a song, a film clip, a meme or just something a bit rude and funny! Noisy Noise Noise is produced by Activate Performing Arts, producers of Inside Out Dorset, and was created with funding from BCP Cultural Hub.
Once Upon A Bounce – Max Calaf
Max Calaf is a trampoline artist who brings movement and storytelling together in unexpected ways. In this special performance, he explores the magic of books through acrobatics and movement, using the trampoline to turn pages into motion and words into flight. Max creates a playful and poetic experience that invites audiences to see stories from a whole new perspective.
Ruth Hearson
Join writer and illustrator Ruth Hearson for an illustration masterclass where you can dive into original artwork, rummage through sketchbook scribbles, and pick up loads of top drawing tips. Experiment with different drawing techniques before taking a sketch crawl around the amazing gardens of Biddulph Old Hall to create your very own sketchbook drawings.
The Magic Lantern
The Festival of Brilliant welcomes back The Magic Lantern; a curious contraption that travels the land with its crew of storytellers, musicians and puppeteers – telling and collecting stories, lighting up woodlands, bringing laughter to doorsteps and creating Magic wherever it goes. Join storyteller Ian Douglas and puppeteer Jo Douglas for wild words and wonderment.
Partners in Creative Learning
Calling all swashbucklers, rogues, wizards and adventuring types! Keep an eye out for the PiCL Players, who will be looking to recruit young adventurers to complete secret quests throughout the festival. Suitable for questors aged 7+ no previous experience of dragon slaying or dungeoneering required!
What’s on : Saturday 12th July 2025 – for children of all ages and their families
The Island of Brilliant
The Island of Brilliant – the podcast which provided the inspiration for this wonderful festival – once again weighs anchor at Biddulph Old Hall. Hosts Nadia Shireen and Frank Cottrell Boyce have been marooned on the island now for two glorious years, with a mountain of brilliant children’s books to read and discuss with guests who drift ashore to break up the bickering. In this live recording, they’ll welcome two mystery guests for the usual snacks’n’books chit chat, but also help them in a quiz like no other, with you the audience not only cheering them on their way but taking sides and lending a hand. It will be fun. It will be silly. It will frankly (and nadialy) be unmissable.
Frank Cottrell Boyce – the Children’s Laureate
The Festival of Brilliant can’t believe its luck. Frank Cottrell Boyce (a.k.a. tireless champion of children’s literature, top-notch writer of much-vaunted and much-loved books and screenplays, hammock-swinger extraordinaire) and the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024-2026 joins us once again this year. Expect nothing less than magic from one of this country’s very finest of fellows.
Nadia Shireen
Writer and illustrator Nadia Shireen is the magnificent talent behind some of the most exciting, energetic and certainly funniest books being published for any age today. Her Grimwood series is brilliantly bonkers, and her picture books (including Barbara Throws A Wobbler and Geoffrey Gets the Jitters) are as gorgeous as they are affecting.
Patrice Lawrence
Write your own mystery story in this workshop with award-winning author and BookTrust Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence. Through engaging activities and creative exercises, unleash your imagination and bring your own thrilling tales to life! Join Patrice for an energetic and interactive workshop designed for young aspiring writers aged 9-12. Discover the secrets to crafting your very own mystery story, with insider tips inspired by Patrice’s latest page-turner, People Like Stars.
Steven Lenton
Join the multi award-winning illustrator Steven Lenton for a magical time with the How To Grow series of picture books! Learn how Sarah and Mr Pottifer grow Unicorns, Dragons and in the latest book MERMAIDS! There will be lots of fun, storytelling, a draw-along and you will help Steven to create a UNIQUE magical creature! Suitable for ages 4+.
Christopher Edge
Welcome to The Escape – an epic new world full of puzzles, peril and challenges to beat before time runs out. But wait, this is no ordinary game… Do you dare to play? Join author Christopher Edge on a heart-racing journey as he brings the levels of the game to life and explores the imaginative, empowering world of his mind-bendingly brilliant novel, Escape Room: Game Zero. Anything is possible and nothing is as it seems; can you help Christopher uncover the secrets of The Escape and save the world, before it’s too late?
Adeola Sokunbi
Get your pencils and sketchbooks at the ready for an INKTASTIC event! Author and illustrator Adeola Sokunbi introduces the wonderful world of Destiny Ink, who uses creativity to overcome her worries. Expect a colourful doodle workshop where children can unleash their imaginations to draw their very own friendly (or scary!) monsters while celebrating the magic of creativity.
Alan Pollock
Alan Pollock is a playwright, TV writer, radio writer and children’s author. His book The Bear who went to War was published in 2019, and adapted for the stage in 2024. Alan came across the story while working with Polish emigrés in Coventry and was struck by the youth and bravery of the Polish soldiers and the bond they developed with Wojtek.
Alex Falase-Koya
Join children’s author Alex Falase-Koya as he shares fun activities and stories all about Marvin, an ordinary boy who loves spending time with his Grandpa – and discovers a mysterious superhero suit! This exciting workshop is organised in partnership with BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, and Kinship, the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales.
Ashley Fayth
Enjoy a musical interlude with family folk musician (and children’s author) Ashley Fayth. A native of Newfoundland, she now lives in Chester, and performs original songs inspired by nature and the changing seasons.
Ben Hoare
Enter the wonderful world of bees in this interactive event with author Ben Hoare, packed with bee-rilliant facts to boggle your brain from his new book Think Big: Secrets of Bees! Everyone knows that bees love buzzing around the place – but what is it actually like to be one? Find out as we build our very own bee! Learn about the secret superpowers that bees have, discover why pizza just wouldn’t taste the same without them, and see pollination come to life on stage. And there will be a fun quiz – Bee Or Not A Bee? But beeware, it’s not as easy as it sounds!
Bethan Woollvin
Join author/illustrator Bethan Woollvin for a fun-filled fairytale workshop inspired by her twisted tale Rapunzel. During this session, Bethan will share her love of fairytales, read her version of Rapunzel, and give a behind-the-scenes peek at her artwork process. This will be followed by an exciting fairytale-themed drawing activity! Ideal for children aged 4 and up.
Charlotte Rowley
Charlotte is a headteacher at a primary school with a passion for writing. She loves poetry in particular and will be sharing her love for rhyme, as well as her published work with us at The Festival of Brilliant. Join her for a fun poetry workshop and discover your love for writing!
Dr Dolittle – New Vic Theatre
Families are invited to step into the world of the wild and set sail with Dolittle, Dab Dab, Chee-Chee, and a very special crew on an exciting 35-minute interactive performance. Join the adventure with the world’s most famous animal doctor as they explore new lands, helps animals in need – and maybe even talk to them too! Packed with playful puppets, fun characters, and plenty of chances for the audience to join in, this one-person show invites young explorers to discover the wonders of nature and the importance of kindness and friendship. It’s a wild adventure full of laughs, learning, and a whole lot of heart! Perfect for children aged 4+ and their families.
Gabriella Gay
Join poet Gabriella Gay in the Garden of Dreams for a fun and friendly drop-in workshop. Explore the magical grounds, sit and daydream, and give poetry writing a try. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Lily Dyu
Are YOU our planet’s next nature hero!? Join author Lily Dyu in this hopeful, inspiring and action-packed event to learn all about the world around us, why it’s important to protect it, and how YOU can make a difference. Pulling inspirational stories from her new book Nature Heroes, Lily will touch on what it was like growing up without any access to nature at all – and how, eventually, she came to discover and love it. Explore the stories of new and familiar nature heroes around the globe and the amazing things they have done (and are still doing!) in an interactive quiz – where you may even get to learn a chimpanzee chant!
Lucy Edwards
Join presenter, journalist, content creator, author, disability activist, and official RNIB ambassador Lucy Edwards for an unforgettable interactive event celebrating her debut children’s fantasy adventure novel, Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer. Lucy will invite you to step into Ella’s world through blindfolded sensory games, a Braille code-breaking challenge, and even a special appearance by her guide dog, Miss Molly. She’ll also share her personal journey of losing her own sight at 17, making this an inspiring and powerful experience with one of children’s fiction’s most exciting new voices. Suitable for ages 8+.
Marc Jackson
Join cartoonist Marc Jackson (BEANO, The Phoenix, Hey Kids Comics and GOOF) as he teaches you all about his favourite thing to make, COMICS!! You’ll learn the basics, and a little more, about comics themselves and how to create funny characters to go inside them. All skill levels are welcome.
Matt Buckingham
Join author and illustrator Matt Buckingham for a gentle story session with a drawing activity where the audience helps create characters in a collaborative workshop. Matt is the co-owner of Muddy Publishing, based in Stoke, who have a stall in the Marvellous Makers area of the festival.
Noisy Noise Noise
Noisy Noise Noise is an interactive sound library for noisy children and their grown-ups. With the help of hundreds of very noisy kids, Working Boys Club made this fun, interactive installation to make sure that everyone is seen and heard. There are over 90 books, each of which will, when pressed with a gentle finger, trigger a noise. It could be a song, a film clip, a meme or just something a bit rude and funny! Noisy Noise Noise is produced by Activate Performing Arts, producers of Inside Out Dorset, and was created with funding from BCP Cultural Hub.
Once Upon A Bounce – Max Calaf
Max Calaf is a trampoline artist who brings movement and storytelling together in unexpected ways. In this special performance, he explores the magic of books through acrobatics and movement, using the trampoline to turn pages into motion and words into flight. Max creates a playful and poetic experience that invites audiences to see stories from a whole new perspective.
Pari Thomson
Enter a world where nature is alive with magic with Pari Thomson, as she introduces the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-winning Greenwild: The World Behind The Door. Then, delve into a mysterious world of sea magic with the sequel, Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea. Expect readings, and a creative task to inspire audiences to look for the magic in nature.
Ruth Hearson
Join writer and illustrator Ruth Hearson for an illustration masterclass where you can dive into original artwork, rummage through sketchbook scribbles, and pick up loads of top drawing tips. Experiment with different drawing techniques before taking a sketch crawl around the amazing gardens of Biddulph Old Hall to create your very own sketchbook drawings. For families of all ages and abilities.
For 5s and unders (but all welcome) step into a sensory storytelling session with illustrator Ruth Hearson. Look, listen, touch, smell, sing and feel your way through the perfect pre-school book about being in nature, Zeki Hikes. Then enjoy sticking, cutting and colouring your very own piece of artwork to take home.
Scarlett Ward
Scarlett Ward is the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2024-2026. At The Festival of Brilliant, Scarlett will perform a new poem inspired by nature, written to open the festival, and will run nature themed workshops on the Saturday, suitable for ages 8+.
Stoke the Fiery Dragon – New Vic Senior Youth Theatre
‘Stoke the Fiery Dragon’ is 100 years old and is losing her puff! She needs the help of two potter friends, named Mold and Clay, as well as young audience members to revive her memory and keep her fiery puff alive. Come and join us on a fun and theatrical trip down memory lane, through some of Staffordshire’s historical highlights over the last 100 years. But will it be enough to keep Stoke’s fire burning?
The Bewonderment Machine – A Bird in the Hand Theatre
The Bewonderment Machine is an artist-built cycle-powered carousel, a kinetic public sculpture and a magical journey for small children. Visually, this is a quirky dreamscape, combining found objects, puppetry, machinery and music. With riding space for up to 10, this is also a miniature theatrical flight of the imagination, empowering the very young to care, to be curious and to believe in their own strength. The Bewonderment Machine is a joyful call to re-wild our imaginations, and a celebration of the creatures that are increasingly losing their familiar place in our children’s lives and in their language. The Bewonderment Machine has been created with the support of Without Walls.
The Magic Lantern
The Festival of Brilliant welcomes back The Magic Lantern; a curious contraption that travels the land with its crew of storytellers, musicians and puppeteers – telling and collecting stories, lighting up woodlands, bringing laughter to doorsteps and creating Magic wherever it goes. Join storyteller Ian Douglas and puppeteer Jo Douglas for wild words and wonderment.
Thomas Docherty
Have you ever seen a fox near your house? How about a hedgehog in your garden or a squirrel in a tree? Author and illustrator Thomas Docherty presents Into The Wild – a celebration of the amazing wildlife that we can find right on our very own doorsteps! Using live drawing and large cardboard props, Thomas will take you on a magical night-time journey through the Wild city as lamp post turn into giraffes, cars into a hippos, and underpants into bats! Plus a special reading of Moon Girl, Thomas’ latest picture book! Learn to draw your very own fox, and get top tips on drawing any of the nearly 100 animals found in the book in a fun, interactive, and educational event for ages 3+.
Staffordshire Libraries
Staffordshire Library Service will be promoting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at The Festival of Brilliant. This year’s theme is ‘Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors’ and we think this is a perfect fit for this year’s event and its location in the grounds of the magical Biddulph Old Hall, bringing stories and nature together. Look out for us and get signed up for the Challenge and discover what else we have on offer too. Happy reading!
Biddulph Old Hall History Walk
Enjoy a tour of the Hall and learn about the history of the buildings, the ruins, and the occupants of the house. You will also hear the exciting story of Robert Bateman and the love of his life Caroline Howard, intertwined with Nigel and Brian’s journey in restoring the Hall. The tour lasts around an hour and a half.
Book Detectives – National Literacy Trust
Together with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries, we’re on the hunt to find our city’s 100 favourite children’s books to celebrate 100 years of Stoke, as part of our mission to grow a generation of readers. To narrow down their favourites, we’re inviting children to become Book Detectives. These are readers of any age who become experts in exploring books, to choose stories which are interesting and enjoyable to read.
Staffordshire Moorlands Family Hub
Join the Family Hub team for lots of fun activities, stories and rhymes. The Staffordshire Moorlands Family Hub bring everything together in one place within a safe and welcoming space, supporting families to enable their children and young people 0-19 (25 with SEND) to reach their full potential by accessing the right help, at the right time, in the right place through a community network of services.
Art UK
Join Art UK for a fun activity to look closely at art from local museums, tell us what you see in the artworks, and search out similar things in the landscape around you. You might be surprised what you can see if you stop and really look!
Storytelling with the Reading Fairy
Reading Fairy classes help parents to model the correct sounds that go with each letter of the alphabet as well as ways to engage with your little one to encourage speaking and listening. Join a Reading Fairy session at The Festival of Brilliant.
And… Character Costume walkabouts!
The Gruffalo & Elmer the Elephant