By Gianina Turner, freelance journalist and writer: The Bath Children’s Literature Festival returns this autumn for its 18th year, running from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October, with a fresh chapter in its story – an exciting new partnership with Longleat, the historic Wiltshire estate and safari park. This collaboration brings together two iconic family destinations to inspire young readers and broaden the festival’s reach.
Longleat, renowned for its stately home and wildlife park, joins forces with the UK’s largest standalone children’s book festival to create new opportunities for storytelling, discovery and imagination.
Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, expressed his enthusiasm: “Books are an important part of our heritage… We believe there is great synergy between ourselves and the festival and are delighted to be working closely with the organisers to create a new chapter in its history.”
This year’s festival promises ten days of literary magic, featuring beloved authors and illustrators such as Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Liz Pichon, Rob Biddulph, Cressida Cowell, and Pamela Butchart. From draw-alongs and storytelling to rap battles and creative workshops, the programme is packed with events for all ages.
Among the 2025 highlights: Cressida Cowell shares tales from her new How To Train Your Dragon School series; Rose Ayling-Ellis, BAFTA-winning actor, presents her book Marvellous Messages and teaches British Sign Language; Rob Biddulph and Liz Pichon lead interactive draw-along sessions; Pamela Butchart brings laughter and new stories to the stage.
The festival also offers a range of free events to ensure accessibility for all. The opening night party at the Holburne Museum on Friday 26 September, at 5–9pm features book characters, Pokémon fun, art sessions, and the Unicorn Academy Nail Bar. Families can also enjoy animal-themed storytime at Bath City Farm and drop-in illustration sessions at Waterstones Bath.
New for 2025 are ticket bundles offering discounts for multiple bookings: 5% off for three events, 10% for five, and 15% for eight or more. These bundles make it easier for families to dive deeper into the festival experience.
The Schools Programme, running between 29 September – 3 October, continues to engage thousands of children across the region, with appearances from Robin Stevens, Martin Brown, Sue Hendra, and more. Last year’s Schools Programme saw 51 schools taking part, involving more than 4,000 children from Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire
Part of the Arts charity Bath Festivals, Bath Children’s Literature Festival had over 16,000 visitors last year. The event is all about having fun, reading for pleasure, meeting the creators of children’s literary heroes, seeing illustrations come to life and sparking the imagination. Whether you’re a returning festival fan or a first-time visitor, Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2025 promises to be a joyful, imaginative adventure.
For tickets and full programme details, visit bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature
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