The Festival of Brilliant - Schools & Community Groups

A celebration of children's books in Biddulph!

Friday 11th July 2025, 9.30am-2.30pm (programming 10am-2.15pm) - for schools and community groups (REGISTER FOR FREE)

According to recent research from the National Literacy Trust, reading enjoyment levels have decreased by 8.8% over the past year alone. The impact that this can have is staggering for a young person and their educational journey.

We believe that books and stories have the power to change the world and reading is the window into the curriculum for children and young people. We are passionate about raising the profile of reading and encouraging children and young people to read for pleasure.

Hundreds of families and school children attended the new children’s book festival, The Festival of Brilliant, at the magical Biddulph Old Hall in 2024. They enjoyed talks, workshops and performances from a raft of world class authors, illustrators and artists for an incredible festival that fed their imaginations!

After the success of this summer's event we’re inviting schools and community groups to join us once again next summer.

All schools and community groups can register for their FREE tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Who’s it for?

Everyone, but particularly children in the Staffordshire Moorlands. 

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'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!

We’ll be 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.

At OUTSIDE we have a flexible approach to access – if you would like a further conversation or if you have any queries, please get in touch.

What is it?

The festival is a celebration of how brilliant children’s books are. Inspired by the podcast, The Island of Brilliant, the festival will feature readings, talks, workshops, performances, installations and activities to feed the imagination. 

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 and spoken word artist Steven Camden (aka Polarbear), plus many more authors, illustrators, poets and performers.

Please follow the link for updates: The Festival of Brilliant - OUTSIDE (outsidearts.org)

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?

Friday 11th July 2025, 9.30am-2.30pm (programming 10am-2.15pm) - for schools and community groups

Saturday 12th July - family day for all - book tickets here

FAQs

For further info please follow this link: The Festival of Brilliant FAQs

You can also contact the Festival team directly via email: festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org

The Festival of Brilliant has been supported by OUTSIDE, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Libraries, Staffordshire Moorlands Family Hub, The Island of Brilliant, Wild Rumpus, PiCL, The Reading Agency, How Brave is the Wren, Film Hub Midlands, Biddulph Town Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Support Staffordshire and Arts Council England.