The Festival of Brilliant - Saturday for Families

A celebration of children's books in Biddulph!

Saturday 12th July 2025, 10am-6.30pm (arrival from 9:30am) - for children of all ages and their families

Join us for the second edition of the brilliant children's book festival at Biddulph Old Hall.

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.

We believe that books and stories have the power to change the world. Families from across the Moorlands are invited to join us and a raft of world class authors, illustrators and artists for an incredible festival that will feed their imaginations.

Who’s it for?

Everyone, but particularly children in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Saturday's family festival caters for all ages, from early years right up to young adults. There'll be something for everyone - parents, grandparents and carers included!

On the Friday, the festival is specifically for schools and community groups, who can register for FREE tickets HERE.

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.

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.

If you work with, attend or are part of a group or charity in the Staffordshire Moorlands who face financial barriers, then please contact us on festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org to find out how we can support you to attend for free.

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 only - HERE for info and tickets.

Saturday 12th July 2025, 10am-6:30pm (arrival from 9:30am) - family day for all - book your tickets on this page.

Everyone attending must have their own separate tickets, including under 3s (these tickets are free of charge).

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

Free transport will be available from Biddulph town centre to the festival site via a shuttle bus (details tba).

By booking tickets, you consent to photography/filming from the event by OUTSIDE to promote the programme and its projects, events and activities.

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 Moorlands Family Hub, Your Housing, Community Foundation, Biddulph Town Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Arts Council England.

Supported by the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Community Climate and Nature Action Fund.