The Festival of Brilliant 2025 FAQs
Please note: the FAQs for next year’s event will be updated regularly as the event details are confirmed. Please get in touch via email (festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org) with any specific questions or needs.
General
The Festival of Brilliant
Hundreds of families and school children attended new children’s book festival, The Festival of Brilliant, at Biddulph Old Hall on 12th & 13th July 2024.
We believe that books and stories have the power to change the world. We invited families from across the Moorlands to join us and a raft of world class authors, illustrators and artists for an incredible festival that fed 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.
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. See the 2025 programme here.
Who is the festival for?
Everyone, but particularly children and their families in the Staffordshire Moorlands. We’re 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.
The festival programme is aimed primarily at children between the ages of 5 and 16, but there will be programmed storytelling sessions for pre-school children. The venue is a beautiful setting for all to explore and the festival programme is varied and interesting enough for those over the age of 16.
All those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.
When does it take place?
The Festival of Brilliant takes place over 2 days:
Friday 11th July 2025 – for schools and community groups
Saturday 12th July 2025 – ticketed for general public/families
Please note that each day will have author and illustrator sessions specific to that day, meaning that families attending on Saturday will experience different programming to that of schools on Friday.
What are the timings of the festival days?
Friday 11th July 2025, 9.30am-2.30pm (programming 10am-2.15pm) – Schools and community groups
To register for your free tickets, simply select the age group you wish to book for – Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 – HERE!
Friday’s schools and community event will have programming for Key Stage 1 and 2, as well as programme elements that will appeal to older children (up to 13) across the day. This will include author and illustrator talks and workshops and some performance elements too.
Home educated groups are very welcome too. Please book per family rather than as a group so that we have contact details to send additional info and updates to family groups.
Saturday 10am-6.30pm (arrival from 9.30am) – Children of all ages and their families
Tickets – Supporter £10, Standard £7.50, Subsidised £5, under 3s free – HERE! Purchase one ticket per person for full access to entire day of events and activities.
Saturday’s family festival will cater for all ages, from early years right up to young adults. There’ll be something for everyone – parents, grandparents and carers included! A wonderful line-up of authors and workshops that are different from Friday’s programme, so even if your child is attending with their school Saturday will offer a whole new day of brilliant things to see, hear and do!
Explore The Festival of Brilliant 2025 programme here.
There will be sessions for pre-schoolers as well as entertainment for all ages. Visit the food and drink stalls, mill around the mini craft market and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Biddulph Old Hall. A brilliant day out for the whole family!
Where is it taking place?
Biddulph Old Hall has a magical, exploratory, fairy tale feel, offering the perfect backdrop for children to feed their imagination.
The site is fairly small with short distances between the festival venues on site. These will consist of a large and small marquee area, some smaller tent areas, an indoor hall area and area for both food and drink and non-food stalls and vendors.
Address: Biddulph Old Hall, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7SQ
Google map of the area is here.
How can I travel to the venue?
Friday: school coaches / minibuses will be able to drop off and collect from the Talbot Pub car park on Grange Road. Classes will then be able to walk via an off road footpath to the venue, marked on image below with a green line. Please schedule drop off for 9.30am and collection at 2.30pm. To allow sufficient time for everyone to walk to/from the drop off point to the venue, programming will run from 10am-2.15pm.
Saturday: parking will be available at Biddulph Old Hall at £5 per car – book your parking ticket here. We’ll also be operating a FREE shuttle bus service from Biddulph town centre – book your bus ticket here.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Schools and community groups can apply for their free Friday tickets here. Tickets for Saturday can be booked here.
Can I come without a ticket?
Tickets may be available on the door subject to availability.
Can I bring my dog?
No dogs other than assistance dogs will be permitted on site for the festival.
Accessibility
Are there free PA/Carer tickets?
Yes, email festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org to get the code to book a free Personal Assistant/Carer ticket.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes, email festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org to get the code to book a free Accessible Parking ticket.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Yes, but limited in some areas of the house and garden. See the Access Video (below) which will be updated for 2025 based on site layout.
Are assistance dogs allowed inside?
Yes.
Is it suitable for those who are deaf or hard of hearing?
We will have BSL interpretation available for a selection of the programme. Please contact us directly for more information at festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org
Is it suitable for those with a visual impairment?
If you have a visual impairment and would like to attend, please make yourself known to a member of staff on arrival who can provide you with some more information and guide you.
Is there seating?
Yes, there will be seating available in the marquee venues and within the hall itself too.
Is there a disabled access toilet nearby?
Yes, there will be a portable disabled access toilet on site at the venue. Additionally there will be a changing places unit available.
Do you have wheelchairs or mobility scooters on site for public use?
No, we do not, so you will need to provide your own mobility aids.
Will there be a quiet space?
Yes, there will be a quiet tent for time out.
Tickets
Where are my tickets?
Your tickets will be emailed to you as soon as you book. Please check your spam/junk folder if you cannot find them. Please download your ticket in advance to your mobile device for scanning on the day.
Can I collect tickets at the venue?
No, there is no collect at box office for this event. You will receive your ticket via email. Please download your ticket in advance to your mobile device for scanning on the day.
I have not received my email confirmation, is this normal?
No, if you haven’t received an email confirming your ticket reservation, please send us details of your booking and when you booked your tickets. Please email festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org
Will my tickets be posted out to me?
No, your tickets will be an e-ticket, so please download your tickets in advance to your mobile device for scanning on the day. If you cannot find your e-tickets please email festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org
I have lost or mislaid my tickets, can I get duplicates?
Tickets will be emailed out, but if you cannot find your tickets, please contact us at festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org with your booking reference and we will be able to update you or replace your tickets if required. You may be required to prove your identity and/or proof of booking.
What time should we arrive?
Advance ticket holders should arrive early to avoid missing programmed events as part of the festival. A small queue to access various venues on site should still be expected.
Can I just show my e-mail confirmation to enter the event?
All tickets will be scanned at the entrance and visitors must have a e-ticket with a unique bar code. Valid tickets will be accepted in all formats, whether printed or on mobile phone.
Is there a waiting list for tickets if they sell out?
No, we are not able to add names to a waiting list when the tickets are sold out.
Photography & filming
You are welcome to take photographs and videos of the festival site and programme for personal use.
Photography and videography by OUTSIDE will be taking place during the event. By booking tickets, ticket holders consent to being photographed/filmed to promote OUTSIDE and its projects.
Other
Can I bring a pushchair?
Yes, the event is accessible for buggies / pushchairs.
Are there toilets available?
Yes, portable toilet facilities will be available.
Will there be food available?
There will be food and drink vendors on site during the festival on Saturday.
Is alcohol permitted?
No alcohol is permitted.
How can I get in touch to provide feedback?
Advance ticket holders will be sent a survey after the event to gather feedback. You can also contact us by sending an email to festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org with your thoughts or comments.