Location: Barnes, London SW13

If you’re looking for an unforgettable family day out this summer, the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival is the must-visit event for book-loving kids (and their grown-ups!). Taking place around beautiful Barnes Pond on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June 2025, here are five brilliant reasons to grab your tickets and get involved:

1. Meet the Biggest Names in Kids’ Books

The festival is bursting with literary stars! Expect a jaw-dropping line-up including David Walliams, Cressida Cowell, MC Grammar, Adam Kay, Stephen and Anita Mangan, and Andy Day. Plus, Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler returns for his 11th appearance!

2. See Art Come to Life

Award-winning illustrators like Lydia Monks, Rachel Bright, Ross Collins, and Catherine Rayner will be live on stage, sketching, chatting, and inspiring budding artists of all ages. And don’t miss the 2025 festival branding by creative powerhouse Nadia Shireen!

3. Get Hands-On in Creative Workshops

From manga masterclasses with Chie Kutsuwada to skateboard design with Ed Syder, clay animation with Aardman, and LEGO, yoga, puppetry, and circus acts, there’s something hands-on and brilliant for every young imagination.

4. Experience the UK’s Largest Free Schools Programme

Running from 19 May to 18 June, the Festival’s Schools Programme offers over 21,000 free places across London — from Twickenham Stadium to The Lyric Hammersmith — with appearances by top talents like Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Joseph Coelho, and Katya Balen.

5. Soak Up the Festival Buzz in Beautiful Barnes

With over 100 events packed into a joyful weekend, Barnes becomes the UK’s literary capital for kids. Expect storytelling, debate workshops with The Week Junior, live music, book signings and more — all in a leafy village setting that’s easy to reach by train, bike, or boat.

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Tickets go on sale Saturday 26 April 2025 – don’t miss out!

Find the full programme and book your tickets at barneskidslitfest.org