A partnership blending books with wildlife is set to return this autumn, as Bath Children’s Literature Festival and Longleat Safari Park join forces for a second year.
Running from 26 September to 5 October, the 2026 festival will once again bring together some of the biggest names in children’s publishing, with organisers expecting thousands of families to attend events across the city.
The collaboration aims to extend that reach beyond traditional festival venues, linking storytelling with the natural world and encouraging children to explore both reading and wildlife in tandem.
Founded in 2007 by John McLay and Gill McLay, the festival has grown into the UK’s largest stand-alone event of its kind. Meanwhile, Longleat — marking 60 years since the launch of its drive-through safari — brings a different kind of heritage to the partnership.
Gill McLay said the renewed collaboration would build on last year’s success, with a stronger focus on access and long-term impact.
“We are doing more than ever to increase this legacy, with more free books for state schools and a new Friends Scheme to support families and educators,” she said.
At Longleat, the emphasis is on learning through experience. Chief Operating Officer Simon Askew said the partnership aligns closely with the attraction’s educational aims.
“We are passionate about encouraging children and their families to have fun while learning,” he said. “Many of the species here are rare or endangered — for some, this is the first time they will see animals they may only have read about.”
The estate itself has long-standing literary links, with Longleat House home to seven libraries and tens of thousands of books, including a number of first editions.
Plans for 2026 include expanded outreach, with more schools involved and increased opportunities for children to access books and meet authors. Members of Longleat and festival supporters will again be given priority booking when tickets go on sale in July, with the full line-up due to be announced in June.
The partnership also arrives during the UK’s National Year of Reading, adding a timely backdrop to efforts aimed at encouraging children to pick up — and stick with — books.
For organisers, the formula is straightforward: take stories beyond the page, place them in a wider world, and let curiosity do the rest.
