Bath is once again set to become a literary playground as the Bath Children’s Literature Festival returns for its sparkling 18th year. From Friday 26th September to Sunday 5th October 2025, the city will be awash with storytelling, drawing, laughter and live performances as thousands of families are welcomed to Britain’s largest standalone children’s book festival.
This year’s programme promises to be the festival’s most imaginative yet, blending returning favourites with exciting new names and a generous helping of free events to ensure accessibility for all.
A Page-Turner of a Line-Up
At the heart of this year’s offering is a treasure trove of family fun. The festival will welcome Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, as well as familiar faces such as Cressida Cowell, Liz Pichon, Rob Biddulph, and the ever-popular Gruffalo. Families will be spoilt for choice, whether it’s interactive draw-alongs, creative workshops or the chance to meet the people behind their favourite bedtime stories.
Fresh from Glastonbury, MC Grammar will bring a rhythmic energy with his dance-offs and rap battles, while Rose Ayling-Ellis—best known for her BAFTA-winning performances—will share inspiring tales and introduce British Sign Language to younger audiences.
New this year is a collaboration with Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, extending the reach of the festival and forging a new chapter in its storied journey. “Books are an important part of our heritage,” said Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, “and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with the festival to help more families discover, explore and create lasting memories.”
Free Fun and First-Class Creativity
One of the many joys of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival lies in its inclusivity. Alongside ticketed events, families can enjoy a range of free activities, from a character-filled evening at the Holburne Museum to storytelling sessions at Bath City Farm. Waterstones Bath will also play host to a rotating cast of illustrators-in-residence, with free, drop-in art sessions across the festival’s weekends.
For children who are hooked on stories, popular series such as Skandar, Unicorn Academy, and The Ministry of Unladylike Activity will be brought to life in new and exciting ways.
Younger attendees will love the puppet-filled performance of The Lion Inside, as well as interactive appearances from Bluey and The Gruffalo, while older children can take part in comic-making workshops, science-themed silliness with Big Manny, and Dungeons & Dragons tutorials.
A New Chapter in Affordability
Recognising the rising cost of family entertainment, the festival has launched a discounted ticketing scheme. Families booking multiple events can save up to 15%, depending on the number of sessions they attend. These bundles, ranging from the Story Sampler to the full-blown Festival Adventure, are aimed at helping more people enjoy more events without stretching their budget.
It’s worth noting that workshops and masterclasses are excluded from the discount, but the savings across general events will be welcome news for many.
The Power of Sharing Stories
Festival co-founder Rob Biddulph, returning again this year, summed up the spirit of the festival perfectly:
“There’s something truly magical about a children’s book festival. Meeting their favourite authors and illustrators can be life-changing for young readers. Books expose children to new worlds and new ideas, helping them to understand their place in the world—and festivals like this help light that spark.”
The Schools Programme will also return between 29th September and 3rd October, catering to over 4,000 children from across the South West. Names including Ben Miller, Robin Stevens, Joseph Coelho, and Sarah McIntyre will appear, with schools encouraged to sign up early for the brochure.
Bringing Books to Every Bedside
With its Share The Story initiative, the festival continues its mission to reach children who might not otherwise get the chance to experience such events. Ticket buyers will be given the option to make a small donation to the fund, which helps provide books for children attending supported activities.
“Helping children fall in love with stories is at the very heart of what we do,” say the organisers. “And we can’t do it without your help.”
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 18th July. Early access is available to patrons from 14th July and to friends and members from 16th July. Full listings and ticket information can be found at:
https://bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature/whats-on
