Frank Cottrell Boyce and Nadia Shireen to take part in a new children’s festival in Biddulph

Frank Cottrell Boyce and Nadia Shireen are among the authors, illustrators and artists taking part in “The Festival of Brilliant”, a new children’s book festival in Biddulph.

The festival will be held at Biddulph Old Hall in Staffordshire on 12th and 13th July 2024. It is being organised by arts programme OUTSIDE – which is funded through Arts Council England – and Staffordshire Moorlands librarians working with a group of children and young people, teachers, artists, and authors.

The programme includes readings, talks, workshops, performances, installations and activities. Boyce and Shireen will be talking about their books, and they will be joined by author and illustrator Steven Lenton for a live recording of “The Island of Brilliant”, the children’s books podcast that inspired the festival.

Author and illustrator Ed Vere and author/director Christopher Edge will also headline events at the festival, alongside Book Trust’s writer in residence Rashmi Sirdeshpande, and comedian and author Samantha Baines. Poet Jean Atkin will be offering poems “on request”, and the programme also features a poetry workshop with headteacher Charlotte Rowley, a talk from author Jenny Spangler, a session on storytelling with Julie Moss, and creative sessions with illustrator Ella Kasperowicz.

The circus theatre company Tit for Tat will bring its fire juggling and acrobatics-filled show “BOOKS!” to the festival, in one of various literary-themed performances. Further programme details will be announced over the next two months, with additional events to include comedy shows, cartoon drawing sessions, story time, a haiku workshop and a history walk. There will also be a selection of food and drink stalls, a mini craft market, and the ground of Biddulph Old Hall will be open to explore.

“We believe that books and stories have the power to change the world, so we couldn’t be more excited to have this celebration of brilliant children’s books in Biddulph,” said Sarah Bird, creative director of OUTSIDE. “Biddulph Old Hall is the perfect backdrop, it has such a magical, fairy-tale feel. And the festival is a brilliant opportunity to experience this amazing place.”

Tickets are available online, with Friday 12th July aimed at schools and community groups, and Saturday 13th July for families.