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UK’s largest children’s book festival returns 27–28 June with star-studded line-up
Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, has relaunched as the London Children's Literature Festival for its return on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June. Founded in 2015, the Festival will, once again, offer the public over 100 thrilling live author and illustrator events set around beautiful Barnes.
Highlights on the public programme for 27 and 28 June will include national treasure, Michael Rosen with book-rapping sensation MC Grammar; the million-selling author illustrator of the Tom Gates series, Liz Pichon; 'Horrible' historian Greg Jenner; The Gruffalo genius Axel Scheffler; superstar creator of Charlie and Lola, Lauren Child, and Illustrator of the Year, Rob Biddulph.
‘They'll be joined by a few famous faces including the internationally acclaimed Welsh actor and director, Michael Sheen alongside co-author Jess Webb and beloved illustrator Sarah Massini, with their first book for children, A Home For Spark the Dragon’; the Paddington Star Hugh Bonneville; comedian and Pointless presenter Alexander Armstrong and the Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comedian, Russell Kane.
This year also sees the return of Festival favourites including the queen of kids' crime fiction, Robin Stevens; Supertato silliness with Paul Linnet; the beloved creators of You Choose, Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart; the bestselling author of the Isadora Moon series, Harriet Muncaster and brilliant talents David Litchfield; Roopa Farooki and Rachel Bright.
For fiction lovers, middle grade marvels Maz Evans, Anna James, S.F. Said, Sam Sedgman, Tor Freeman will be sure to delight.
As always, the London Children’s Literature Festival will offer some exclusive events which won’t be seen elsewhere, including a family concert featuring live illustration by the acclaimed artist James Mayhew accompanied by classical music and a live music production of Roald Dahl’s hilarious Revolting Rhymes, as well as needle felt workshops with the author and artist Karin Celestine, creator of the magical animal world of Celestine and the Hare and the Skateboard Drawing Club with Ed Syder
Children can also get involved in creative writing, comics, art and craft, LEGO, live music, Manga illustration masterclasses, clay-mazing workshops with Aardman Animations, and there are lots of free things to do too.
Amanda Brettargh, Festival Director said “In twelve years we've grown from a conversation at our school gate to become the UK's biggest children’s books festival. We are all volunteers at the London Children’s Literature Festival and are immensely proud of our achievements. Our new name reflects the work we have done, bringing children from all over London to events both on our school and public programmes. It’s the best job in the world and we can’t wait to welcome children and families back to Barnes for another stupendous weekend!”
To celebrate the relaunch of the Festival, the branding for 2026 has been designed by comics superstar Jamie Smart, the creator of the smash hit Bunny Vs Monkey series. His artwork will appear on all festival branding including the new logo, poster and website.
Jamie Smart said “I was honoured and delighted to be asked to create the branding for this year's new London Children's Literature Festival. The Festival is always a busy, fascinating and thrilling one and I wanted to reflect that with my design, so I drew all my Bunny Vs Monkey characters causing absolute chaos across it. Here's to another brilliant festival year!”
Waterstones will be providing the book sales once again. In 2025, the Festival saw book sales of over £30,000 over the public weekend and sold 10,000 tickets to just over 100 events.
The full programme will be announced before tickets go on sale at 8.00am Saturday 18 April www.londonkidslitfest.org
Credit: © Jamie Smart