The Festival of Brilliant steering group receives High Sheriff Award

The steering group for The Festival of Brilliant, the children’s book festival in Biddulph, has received a High Sheriff Award in recognition for its outstanding activity and contributions to Staffordshire. This prestigious award is given to individuals and organisations whose dedication, time, passion and efforts have had a significant and positive impact on the community. The award was presented by The High Sheriff of Staffordshire Julia Mitchell at a special ceremony at Stoke-on-Trent Town Hall on 27 March 2025.

The Festival of Brilliant steering group is made up of local librarians, teachers, authors, youth advisors and avid readers who share a love of books. They work together with Staffordshire Moorlands Libraries and arts programme OUTSIDE to organise The Festival of Brilliant.

A celebration of brilliant children’s books, the first edition of The Festival of Brilliant took place at the enchanting Biddulph Old Hall in July 2024. Hundreds of families and school children enjoyed readings, talks, workshops and performances from world class authors, illustrators and artists. Planning for this year’s festival is underway, with over 1,000 school children already booked to head to Biddulph Old Hall on Friday 11^th July, and tickets on sale for families for Saturday 12^th July.

The first of the line-up for this summer’s festival was recently announced including two Children’s Laureates Frank Cottrell Boyce and Joseph Coelho, author/illustrator Nadia Shireen, BookTrust Writer in Residence Patrice Lawrence, and spoken word artist Steven Camden (aka Polarbear). There will also be poetry workshops, hands-on sessions with illustrators, performances and interactive installations inspired by books and stories.

Sarah Bird, creative director of OUTSIDE, said: “We’re thrilled that the steering group has been recognised for their brilliant contributions to the festival. United by their shared love of reading, the group brings energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas – their input is invaluable. They play a vital role in the success of the festival and its positive impact to inspire children and young people to discover the joy of reading for pleasure.”

The Festival of Brilliant has also recently been awarded £1000 from the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire for a grant from the We Love the Moorlands Fund.

Tickets are available now for Saturday 12th July 2025 at festivalofbrilliant.org (£10 supporter, £7.50 standard, £5 subsidised, under 3s free).

The Festival of Brilliant is supported by OUTSIDE, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Libraries, The Island of Brilliant, The Reading Agency, BookTrust, The Mighty Creatives, Staffordshire Virtual School, Staffordshire Moorland Family Hub, Your Housing, The Community Foundation, Biddulph Town Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Arts Council England.

Pictured left to right: Terry Heath – Staffordshire Libraries, Amanda Rowley – Staffordshire Moorlands Family Hub, Julia Mitchell – High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Jim Garvey – Councillor Biddulph North.