Bath Children’s Literature Festival announces 2026 dates (Sept/Oct)

The dates have been announced for Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2026, with the UK’s largest stand-alone children’s book festival returning this autumn.
The festival will run from Friday 25 September to Sunday 4 October, bringing ten days of stories, creativity and live events to the city.
Tickets will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 3 July via the Bath Box Office website.
The festival is organised by Bath Festivals and has become one of the most important events in the children’s publishing calendar, attracting leading authors, illustrators, performers and young readers from across the country.
Longleat returns as a headline supporter for the second consecutive year. The partnership comes as the Wiltshire attraction celebrates the 60th anniversary of becoming the first drive-through safari park outside Africa.
Waterstones will once again serve as the festival’s official bookseller, helping visitors access books from featured authors and illustrators throughout the event.
Further details of the 2026 programme are expected to be announced in the coming weeks ahead of ticket sales opening in July.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival is part of Bath Festivals, an arts charity dedicated to bringing culture, creativity and learning opportunities to audiences across the region.
Local residents set to benefit from even greater support for mental health
Shaw Trust, the Good Work Charity, is taking over the delivery of the region’s Individual Placement Support (IPS) service – helping more local people find good jobs while accessing specialised mental health treatment. IPS joins up work and wellbeing, tackling growing...
New High Sheriff for Wiltshire and Swindon 2026-27
Wiltshire’s new High Sheriff was sworn in on Friday 27 March in a ceremony which dates back to Saxon times. Dr Alexander Goodwin made his Declaration at The Parish Church of St. Leonard’s, Keevil nr Trowbridge, taking over from Mr Martin Nye. Around 70 guests attended...
Planning your next step this year? Explore Bath College open events and taster sessions
Bath College is hosting a range of upcoming events across its campuses, offering opportunities for employers, students and the local community to get involved, learn new skills and explore future pathways. From employer-focused skills groups to open events and taster...



