The Festival of Brilliant, which returns to Biddulph this summer, has announced the first of its line-up of authors, illustrators, poets and performers.

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 working with a group of children and young people, teachers, artists and authors from the district who share a love of reading, the festival takes place at Biddulph Old Hall on 11th July for schools and 12th July for families.

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 Joseph Coelho makes his Festival of Brilliant debut this year. An award-winning poet, playwright and writer, 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 will also be making her first appearance at the festival, 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. Scarlett Ward, Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2024-2026, will perform a brand new poem written to open the festival. There will also be poetry workshops with Gabriella Gay and local headteacher Charlotte Rowley for children to discover and share their love of rhyme and writing.

A range of illustrators will host interactive, hands-on sessions. Children can learn how to create funny characters for comics with cartoonist Marc Jackson, 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 will be wowed by performances and installations inspired by books and stories. Trampoline artist Max Calaf’s showAnyday invites audiences to see stories from a whole new perspective, exploring the magic of books through acrobatics and movement. Working Boys Club bring Noisy Noise Noise, a fun and interactive sound library of books which, when pressed, trigger a surprising noise. Little ones will be mesmerised by The Bewonderment Machine, a cycle-powered carousel by 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.

Further programme details will be announced over the coming months, including more readings, talks, workshops, storytelling sessions and creative activities. There will also be a selection of food and drink stalls, a mini craft market and the enchanting gardens of Biddulph Old Hall for visitors to enjoy.

Sarah Bird, creative director of OUTSIDE, said: “We’re so excited to be back at the magical Biddulph Old Hall after the success of last year’s festival. And what a perfect setting to fit this year’s Summer Reading Challenge ‘Story Garden’ theme. We can’t wait to welcome schools, community groups and families from across the Moorlands to join us once more in Biddulph for what’s set to be an incredible celebration of how brilliant children’s books are.”

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the second year of this wonderfully engaging and inspiring festival that fosters a passion for reading amongst children. The festival is a great example of how libraries, local businesses, health, education and cultural organisations can come to together to help raise literacy levels in local areas. This wonderful event helps to make reading for pleasure accessible for all children and families across Staffordshire Moorlands through awe-inspiring authors, performances, creativity and fun!”

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

Photo credit: Jenny Harper