A Celebration of Children's Books: Festival of Brilliant Returns to Biddulph to Wow Kids
Let your child’s imagination run wild at this fun-filled literary event, with Children’s Laureates, outdoor performances, and plenty of storybook magic…
Established by a group of children and young people, teachers, librarians, artists and authors from Staffordshire Moorlands who share a love of reading, The Festival of Brilliant is set to return to Biddulph for its second iteration in less than two weeks. This year’s edition of the children’s book festival features two Children’s Laureates, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Joseph Coelho, author/illustrator Nadia Shireen and spoken word artist Steven Camden, aka Polarbear. Organised by arts programme OUTSIDE and Staffordshire Moorlands librarians, the festival will take place at Biddulph Old Hall for the second year running, with schools attending on 11/07 and families invited on 12/07.
Champions of children’s books, writer and Children’s Laureate 2024-2026 Frank Cottrell Boyce and author/illustrator Nadia Shireen, who also host the popular podcast about children’s books The Island of Brilliant which inspired the festival, will present a special live recording of the podcast.
Children’s Laureate 2022-2024 and award-winning poet, playwright and writer, Joseph Coelho will invite festival goers to discover a world of adventure and uncover the skills it takes to be a world class genie hunter. BookTrust Writer in Residence Patrice Lawrence, meanwhile, will be discussing the real-life inspirations behind her work and sharing tips on crafting a compelling mystery.
The spoken word line-up at The Festival of Brilliant features one of the most respected spoken word artists in the UK, Steven Camden (aka Polarbear) who will run a story building session. There will also be some local voices at the festival too: Scarlett Ward, Staffordshire poet laureate 2024-2026, will perform a brand new poem written to open the festival. The kids can get stuck into poetry workshops with Gabriella Gay and local headteacher Charlotte Rowley, where they can discover and share their love of rhyme and writing.
If your kid loves drawing, they can join illustrators for interactive, hands-on sessions and learn how to create funny characters for comics with cartoonist Marc Jackson. There’s also opps to make collages inspired by nature with illustrator Kate Slater, and join Biddulph-based illustrator Ruth Hearson on a ‘sketch crawl’ around the gardens.
Around the grounds of Biddulph Old Hall, festival goers can take in performances and installations inspired by books and stories. Trampoline artist Max Calaf’s show Anyday invites audiences to explore the magic of books through acrobatics and movement, while Working Boys Club are bringing Noisy Noise Noise, a fun and interactive sound library of books which, when pressed, trigger a surprising noise.
Younger kids will be love The Bewonderment Machine, a cycle-powered carousel by Yorkshire’s A Bird in the Hand Theatre which celebrates those creatures losing their place in children’s lives and language. Another curious contraption, The Magic Lantern, which travels the land telling and collecting stories, will be visiting the festival with storyteller Ian Douglas and puppeteer Jo Douglas.
Other activities will include more readings, talks, workshops, storytelling sessions and creative activities. In addition, there will be a selection of food and drink stalls, a mini craft market. Plus you can just kick back and enjoy the surrounds of Biddulph Old Hall.
Knotter Kelly Shenton visited the festival last year after seeing it on the Knot and otherwise wouldn’t have not heard about it, as she’s not on social media. “I went with my 5 year old son and straight away we felt like we'd stepped into another world. The hall and grounds have a bit of a mythical feel and you could be anywhere… it didn't feel just a short drive from home.”
From books to theatre, Shenton loved the whole package. “There was loads of art, live outdoor theatre and performances, and of course reading activities. To be able to hear from the likes of the Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce was amazing. Normally you'd only get this quality of line up and entertainment in big cities, so to find it all within easy reach is very special. Pricing is affordable to make it accessible for all and a shuttle bus runs from Biddulph to the event.”
My two kids are super excited to be attending the event with their school and meet some of the biggest names in children’s literature and spoken-word, so much so that we’re gonna back on the Saturday. If you see me, give me a wave and say hi!
Are you going? Let us know in the comments.
Share this with a friend too and don’t let anyone miss out on this brilliant festival.
Book your tickets to The Festival of Brilliant here (£10 supporter, £7.50 standard, £5 subsidised, under 3s free) for 12/07 from 10.30am-6.30pm.
This was just amazing, if you didn't get tickets this year look out for it next year, you won't be disappointed.