Stoke Book Festival Set to Break Down Literacy Barriers

It has been announced that the city is set to launch its inaugural Stoke Book Festival, taking place from 3–10 October 2026. Hosted in the historic town of Stoke, the festival is presented by Stoke Minster in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council Libraries, Visit Stoke-on- Trent, YMCA North Staffs and the National Literacy Trust.

City Centre Library, Smithfield

The week-long festival will feature a diverse programme of author talks, workshops, family activities, school events and community celebrations designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading, storytelling and creativity, anything from music to animation and, of course, clay! The full programme has started to be announced, including at the city centre library and complimenting the pre-existing calendars of community book shops Drop City Books and Vellichor Books.

The City Centre Library is hosting the following for little ones as part of Stoke Book Festival:

Bouncing Dragons - Wednesday 7 October 11am

A fun, interactive session with stories, rhymes and movement - perfect for toddlers. No need to book - just turn up, join in, and have fun.

📍City Central Library, no need to pre-book

Singing Dragons - Thursday 8 October 11am

Singing Dragons is a gentle mix of rhymes and songs which is perfect for the youngest library explorers

📍City Central Library, no need to pre-book


Accessibility is at the heart of the festival. Many events will be free to attend, with ticketed events priced as affordably as possible.

Alongside public events, the festival will include networking and development opportunities for local authors and writers. Activities across the city for families to engage with books, arts and crafts.


Explore more detail on Stoke Book Festival including workshops, talks and more across the city.