Leeds Storytelling Festival Returns for National Year of Reading
February 6, 2026Citywide event to promote reading and creativity for children and families
The Leeds Storytelling Festival is set to return from Saturday 14 February to Sunday 8 March 2026, offering a range of activities across the city aimed at encouraging reading and creativity among children and families. The event is organised by Leeds Libraries in partnership with Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry, aligning with the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign to promote reading for pleasure.
Festival highlights and activities
The festival will feature a variety of events including interactive storytelling sessions, creative workshops, author talks, pop-up performances, and live theatre. The opening day on 14 February will include the Likkle Lit Fest at Leeds Central Library, focusing on Black literature and writing for young audiences. This event will showcase stories by Black creatives and include a guest appearance by Leeds-born musician and author Corinne Bailey Rae, who will present her debut children’s picture book at 1pm in the Music Library.
Other notable events during the festival include:
- CBeebies Read and Rave on Monday 16 February at the Tiled Hall Café, Leeds Central Library
- A Little Birdy Told Me – an installation of miniature bird boxes hidden in library shelves across Leeds, created in partnership with Leeds Arts University
- Performances by theatre companies Fladam and Hoglets
- Book Trust Storytimes sessions
- A special event with Leeds Book Award-winning author and illustrator RAMZEE as part of World Book Day celebrations
School author visits and community engagement
Leeds Libraries’ School Library Service is organising a spring term author programme, providing schools with visits from nine creative professionals based in the north of England. Among these are three Leeds-based authors:
- Kate Pankhurst (4 March)
- Salomey Doku (2 March)
- Mark Bradley (6 March)
These visits aim to support children’s creativity and literacy in classrooms ahead of the festival.
Statements from organisers
Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said the festival offers families opportunities to experience stories that inspire imagination and build confidence, contributing to a lifelong love of reading.
Elvi Piper, artistic director of Wrongsemble, highlighted the continuation of the festival’s success and mentioned an adaptation of Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin, as well as free access to a digital theatre experience titled Aladdin and the Stolen Stories, supported by Arts Council England.
Matt Abbott, founding owner of LIVEwire Poetry, emphasised the festival’s role in making creative expression accessible and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Further information
The Leeds Storytelling Festival is a collaboration between Leeds Libraries, Wrongsemble, and LIVEwire Poetry, aiming to celebrate imagination, diversity, and accessibility across the city.
For details on the programme and booking information, visit the Leeds Storytelling Festival collection on Leeds Inspired or follow @leedsstoryfestival on Instagram.
