Blackburn & Darwen Children & Young People’s Literature Festival
Blackburn & Darwen Children & Young People’s Literature Festival is ‘Going on a Bear Hunt!’
The legendary author and poet, Michael Rosen, is set to headline Blackburn with Darwen’s hugely successful Children’s & Young People’s Literature Festival.
One of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors, Rosen wrote the classic ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
From 2007 to 2009, he also served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate – a prestigious role that champions children’s literature and reading. During his tenure, he campaigned to encourage more children to enjoy books and storytelling.
Michael joins a packed line-up for the 2026 festival – the ninth to be hosted in the borough – with free talks and activities taking place at libraries and schools right across the area.
The event was founded by award-winning Blackburn author Christina Gabbitas, a proud patron of the Blackburn with Darwen Library Service.
Every year, she works closely with the Council’s library team, including a host of volunteers, on the festival, which will start on June 8 and run until June 20.
Speaking about the 2026 event, Christina said: “With this being the National Year of Reading, I’m fully committed to making it a fantastic event!
“This year’s line-up is outstanding, featuring the legendary poet and author Michael Rosen and Jocelyn Stephenson, a BAFTA-winning British-American writer and producer of children’s shows such as Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.
“We also want to shout about success stories from our own borough and, this year, have authors attending secondary schools across Blackburn and Darwen too.”
Just in time for the festival, the popular Children’s Library at Blackburn Central Library in Town Hall Street has been given an impressive makeover.
Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, said: “The festival is always incredibly popular with our children, parents and schools, and we’re delighted that it will be back in June.
“Encouraging children to develop a love of reading brings a lifetime of fun and learning, and this year is even more special as it’s the National Year of Reading.
“The Council has been a big supporter of the festival since it started and has always wanted it to continue to grow, supported by Christina and our fantastic teams and volunteers at our five libraries across the borough.
“For 2026, there’s a fantastic line-up of high-quality events taking place, as well as great authors visiting the borough, including Michael Rosen.
“I’d like to wish Christina, and everyone involved every success. I’m sure it will be a great success, as previs festivals have been, and I look forward to attending.”
The festival will include five successful and award-winning artists from the borough, including Christina Gabbitas, Saira Shah, Iqbal Hussain, Hafiza Issa and illustrator Reyhana Ismail.
In addition, authors Sarah Surgey, Ben Davis, Donavan Christopher, Richard O’Neill, Oliver Sykes, Adisa, Dom Conlon, Dommy B and Ursula Hurst will all take part, alongside Angus Baskerville, star of Autism’s Got Talent, who will be performing magic in the Hornby Theatre on Saturday, June 20.
Christina added: “I’m grateful to Blackburn with Darwen Council, the Library Service, Darwen Town Council, Darwen Rotary, Lloyds Trust and CILIP Green Libraries, with National Lottery funding, who join me in helping to fund this annual event.”
Public events during the festival
Access to both events is by FREE ticket, available from the relevant library.
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Dommy B: The Dinosaurs are Back!
A one man adventure with poetry, rap, dance… and lots of dinosaurs!
Darwen Library Theatre, Saturday 13th June, 11 am – 12 pm and 1 – 2 pm. Entry by FREE ticket, available from the library, advance booking advised.
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Angus Baskerville: Believe in Magic
As seen on Autism’s Got Talent
Blackburn Central Library, Hornby Theatre, Saturday 20th June 1 – 2 pm. Entry by FREE ticket, available from the library, advance booking advised.
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There will also be a range of events exclusively for schools from 8th – 19th June inclusive. Primary school teachers who still wish to book a session for their class should contact andrew.orr@blackburn.gov.uk to reserve a place as soon as possible. High school teachers who wish to book sessions in their school should contact Christina Gabbitas direct info@christinagabbitas.com.