The Festival of Brilliant – 12-13 Jul 2024

A celebration of children's books in Biddulph

The Festival of Brilliant

Biddulph Old Hall, 12-13th July 2024

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

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.

Who’s it for?

Everyone, but particularly children in the Staffordshire Moorlands. 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.

What is it?

It’s 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.

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 12th July 2024, 10am-12pm & 12.45-3pm – for schools & community groups. Book FREE tickets here.

Friday 12th July, 6-9pm – for teens. Book FREE tickets here.

Saturday 13th July 2024, 10am-6.30pm – for children of all ages and their families. Book your tickets here

For information, please read The Festival of Brilliant FAQs.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

We’re excited to reveal the first of the programme for The Festival of Brilliant featuring Frank Cottrell Boyce, Nadia Shireen and Ed Vere.

Check out the line-up so far HERE.

And look out for more programme announcements over the next two months.

The Festival of Brilliant programme

Please read before booking:

Friday 12th July 2024, 10am-12pm & 12.45-3pm – for schools and community groups. Book FREE tickets here.

The festival invites school and community groups to this brilliant children event, packed with a varied programme of author talks, interactive sessions, workshops and performance!

The day is divided into two sessions – morning and afternoon – to allow for classes from as many of the surrounding schools to attend.

To register for your FREE tickets, simply select the age group you wish to book for – Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2, either in the morning or the afternoon session. Programming for these sessions switches over half way through so school groups can experience age appropriate author talks, interactive sessions and workshops in several different locations on site.

Arrival for the morning session from 9.30am

Arrival for the afternoon session from 12.15pm

Friday 12th July, 6-9pm – for teens. A fantastic evening of film and food for 14-18 year olds. Book FREE tickets here.

As part of The Festival of Brilliant, OUTSIDE’s Youth Advisory Group bring to you a fantastic evening of film and food dedicated just for ages 14-18.

You will experience an immersive themed film and feasting event on the next level! It’s a chance for you to interact with the well-loved characters and bring the big screen to LIFE!!!

Fancy dress is optional, but absolutely welcomed and encouraged.

It’s completely free and honestly, you’re in for a real treat…

Saturday 13th July 2024, 10am-6.30pm – for children of all ages and their families. Book your tickets here (only £5 per person, under 3s free).

A day for everyone – young and old!  A wonderful line-up of authors and workshops that are different from Friday’s programme, so even if your child is attending with their school Saturday will offer a whole new day of brilliant things to see, hear and do!

There will be sessions for pre-schoolers as well as entertainment for all ages. Visit the food and drink stalls, mill around the mini craft market and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Biddulph Old Hall.  A brilliant day out for the whole family!

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The Festival of Brilliant is 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.