Bath Children’s Literature Festival is back from 29 September – 8 October with a whole host of fun interactive book events for all the family. Here, the Festival team share five reasons to visit this year's event: 

1. See Your Festival Faves 

Some of the Festival's favourite names are coming back to Bath, including Joseph Coelho, Steven Lenton, Dapo Adeola, Katherine Rundell and many more! Don’t miss out as Robin Stevens returns with the latest in her Ministry of Unladylike Activity series, The Body in the Blitz – a thrilling mystery novel set during the Second World War. Much-loved author and illustrator Rob Biddulph will open the festival with his 'Gigantic Fun' events for schools and families on 29 and 30 September respectively. This year, Rob has also curated a strand of creative events hosted by some fantastic illustrators, so keep an eye out for the ‘Recommended by Rob Biddulph’ badge! 

Image: Bath Children's Literature Festival

2. Dive Into Mystery, Myths and Adventure 

Secrets, spies, mythical beasts and superheroes – there’s so much to get stuck into! Meet the young Jane Austen as she takes on the role of a detective, become a superhero like Marv with Alex Falase-Koya and Paula Bowles, and fly with the Royal Bird Force in Dermot O’Leary’s latest action-adventure story. 

3. Experience Your First Festival 

Introducing My First Festival – the collection for the Festival's youngest visitors! Come along, grab a cushion, then listen to stories and take part in crafty activities, all specially-curated for the smallest festival-goers. The Little Theatre will also be hosting Toddler Time screenings of the Festival's favourite Julia Donaldson shorts, and the incredible Liz Fost will be storytelling some familiar favourites in a cosy environment for your littles to enjoy. 

Image: Bath Children's Literature Festival

4. Celebrate Your Uniqueness 

Books and stories are not only fun to read, they allow us to see the world through someone else’s eyes or perhaps see ourselves reflected in an exciting adventure. Are you a keen detective and ready to solve crimes with Alexandra Beever and Fleur Hitchcock? Or are you an animal lover, a poet or a comic illustrator? Whatever the answer, there is something for you, so come ready to embrace who you are! 

Image: Bath Children's Literature Festival

5. Meet Your Heroes 

Some exciting guests will be visiting the Festival throughout the week, including our favourite vegetable ‘Supertato!’ Your favourite characters will be brought to life with live masterclasses and storytelling. And don’t forget to meet the authors and illustrators ready to answer your burning questions and sign your books. Throughout the week, be on the lookout for some of the most famous literary characters hiding in venues across the city.  

The team can’t wait to welcome you to Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2023. Head to bathfestivals.org.uk to view the full programme and book tickets.