Festival of Brilliant 2026 Programme

10-11th July ‘26

Biddulph Old Hall A celebration of brilliant children’s books!

2026 PROGRAMME festivalofbrilliant.org Scan QR code for tickets

Contents

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How many H many blacokwm usical nola tedsycbairndysocuasn you spot insid pot in e thise this Festivaslid Festival ooff B rilliant ProgramBmriell?iant programme?

P3

Welcome

P4

The Brilliant Stage

P6

The Island Tent

P7

The Hive Tent

P11

The Books & Beats Tent

P12

Garden of Dreams

P13

Running Wild

P14

The Hall - Calm Eden

P16

Marvellous Makers & Green Eggs & Ham

P18

Saturday Timetable*

P20

Friday Schools Programme

P21

Verse & Vibes Teen Event

P22

Accessibility

P23

General Information

P24

Book Bus

P26

Partners & Funders

* Details p4-16 for Saturday, see p20 for Friday schools programme

This booklet belongs to:

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Welcome to The Festival of Brilliant 2026!

Friday 10th July – for schools and community groups Saturday 11th July – for families

Welcome from OUTSIDE

Katie Aldous, Director, OUTSIDE We’re delighted to welcome you to The Festival of Brilliant – a joyful celebration of children’s books, storytelling and imagination, back for the third year in the magical garden of Biddulph Old Hall.

As part of the National Year of Reading, we’ve gone all in! Brought to you by our passionate volunteer steering group of librarians, authors, artists, teachers and enthusiastic readers, 2026 promises to be a fun-filled experience for children and their grown-ups, listening to authors, drawing with illustrators, making with creatives and maybe even starring in your own movie! We’re proud to continue building partnerships with brilliant organisations locally, regionally and nationally, all championing the transformative impact of reading for pleasure. With this year’s theme, Read to the Beat, it’s the perfect moment to explore the rhythm, energy and creativity of stories in all their forms. Whether you’re joining us as a school, community group or family, there’s something here for every curious reader and budding storyteller. We hope you’ll leave feeling inspired to go all in on reading, join the Summer Reading Challenge, and find your own rhythm in stories. I hope you have a truly brilliant time!

Welcome from Biddulph Old Hall

Brian Vowles and David Daly, joint owners of Biddulph Old Hall Welcome to Biddulph Old Hall, which is steeped in a history that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. Originally the home of the Biddulph family, the site contains a small stone Medieval hunting lodge, the ruins of a great Elizabethan mansion built between 1530 and 1580 slighted in the English Civil War and surviving Elizabethan grounds. In 1862 it was purchased by James Bateman, who installed his youngest son Robert as the owner. Robert was a Pre-Raphaelite artist and painted most of his best-known works in the house. He also created the original Victorian gardens that have been recreated over the last 20 years. During the 1960s the Hall was a Buddhist meditation centre and ran retreats and teaching courses. Over the last 20 years the Hall and Gardens have been restored by me, Brian Vowles, my late partner Nigel Daly and his brother David. Please enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and presence of this exceptional piece of our local history.

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The Brilliant Stage Geoff Bird spends his time making radio programmes and podcasts - including ‘The Island of Brilliant’ with Frank Cottrell Boyce and Nadia Shireen.

Brilliant Stag e compered by Geoff Bird, p roducer of the Island of Brilliant pod cast

Jenny McLachlan

Travel with Jenny McLachlan to the magical Land of Roar. After learning how Lego and a folding camp bed inspired Jenny to become a writer, children will help her hatch an enormous dragon from an egg, put on a play and discover if they belong in House Fang or House Flame at Dragon Rider Academy. Ages 6+. 11am. BSL.

Chris Haughton

Information is one of the most powerful tools we have.

It has shaped every invention, cure and insight in human history. But like all tools, it can be used for good and bad.

In this thought-provoking session, Chris Haughton explores how information – and social media in particular – can be used to share knowledge and connect us, but also to spread disinformation and propaganda. Discover how understanding the history of information can help us better recognise what’s true today. Ages 10+. 2.15pm. BSL

What 3 Words?

Have you heard any good (new) words today? Jot down your three favourite words or phrases from the festival:

1 4

Joseph Coelho

Join former (and... ahem... youngest) Children’s Laureate and Carnegie winner Joseph Coelho OBE as he shares poems from his Out Loud collection, discover how to create a riddle, get tongue-tied with a tongue twister and what is a spoonerism! Ages 7+.

12.45pm. BSL

Louie Stowell

Get ready for myths, mayhem, and lots of laughs!

Join bestselling author Louie Stowell for a rib-tickling event celebrating her doodle-packed Loki series. Her latest book, Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Causing Chaos, contains more gods, magic, monsters, and an adventure with Loki’s arch enemy Vinir, an annoying luscious-locked elven menace. In the National Year of Reading, discover Loki’s rule-breaking reading manifesto, the Lokifesto, learn to draw Loki and test your Norse myths knowledge with a quiz. Warning: mischief is guaranteed! Ages 7+. 3.45pm. BSL.

E.L. Norry

Join E.L. Norry on the adventure of a lifetime with Robyn, Will and Scarlet, three unlikely school friends who learn they can take on the world when they stick together. Discover the inspiration behind Emma’s incredible books, discover your own creativity and learn how every one of us has a story inside. Emma Norry is a thrilling talent, who, having been through the care system herself, brings Own Voices heart and authenticity to this extraordinary adventure. Ages 8+.

5.15pm. BSL.

Dr Sheila Kanani

This event will make you a scientist, yes, YOU! Join scientist and author Dr Sheila Kanani as she introduces you to 25 inspiring scientists from throughout history. Combining fascinating facts with hands-on experiments and demonstrations, this super interactive and inspiring event will spark curiosity and creativity. Children will leave excited to use their imaginations – and ready to head home and create their very own experiments! Ages 7+. (Friday)

2 3 5

David Gibb

The Island Tent Join David Gibb on a musical journey through his hilarious and often surreal imagination, where teddy bears dance all night at the disco, wolves are roaming the corridors at school, and finding a dragon in your bedroom is a regular occurrence. Guaranteed to have both parents and children singing along in no time, this is music that everyone can enjoy together. Ages 3+. 10.30am

Kieran Larwood

Calling all Dungeon Runners! There’s a space for a new team of heroes – this is your chance to enter the leagues and fight your way to the top! Join award winning author Kieran Larwood for this a-maze-ing, puzzle-solving event!

Put your skills to the test, create your own characters and embark on an adventure, as you find out whether you have what it takes to become a Dungeon Runner…

Ages 7+. 1.30pm Join author Sian Radford for a lively and interactive story time event inspired by her debut book for children!

Through the joyful rhymes and rhythm of My Little Drummer, Sian explores her lived experience of ADHD, as well as drawing on the experiences of her family, who have lots of different ways of interacting with the world.

My Little Drummer is also part of the Official Read to the Beat Collection for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026! Ages 3+. 3pm

Sian Radford

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Bethan Woollvin

Calling all fairytale fans! Join children’s book author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin for an exciting workshop inspired by her fractured fairytale Rapunzel. During this workshop, Bethan will explore classic fairytale themes, read her version of Rapunzel, and show you how words and pictures come together to create books! Then, sharpen your pencils and take part in a drawing workshop with Bethan, creating your very own fairytale artwork to take home! Perfect for young readers who love to draw!

Ages 4+. 12pm

Lisette Auton

Lisette Auton is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, who is passionate about telling the stories she struggled to find – those that reflect her northern, disabled and neurodivergent experiences. Suitable for any age and their grownups including a quick-fire ridiculously fun worldbuilding workshop where with just a piece of paper, a pencil and a bucket load of creativity and imagination we create an entire story and world via the power of making maps. Ages 6+. 4.30pm

Lydia Monks

Join bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator, Lydia Monks, for a fun and interactive event to understand how she creates her bestselling books. Discuss how she comes up with ideas, plots and creates characters. Hear how she illustrates books with Julia Donaldson such as Princess Mirrorbelle; The Toothfairy and the Crocodile and the What the Ladybird Heard series and what her process is for writing her own books such as The Six Queens, her new non-fiction book. Ages 7+. (Friday)

Sensory Story Time

The Hive Tent Join us for Sensory Story Time, a delightful 30 minute experience filled with imagination, gentle adventure and sensory-rich moments. Specially designed for families and welcoming to those with additional needs, this relaxed session invites everyone to explore stories in a playful, supportive environment. Led by the New Vic Theatre’s Education team Sensory Story Time forms part of the theatre’s anniversary project - 40 Stories @ 40 - celebrating four decades of stories that bring our community together. Come along, get comfortable, and let the story unfold. Early years and up. All ages. 10am & 10.45am 7

just so festival

2026!

A FAMILY FESTIVAL OF WIL D FRE EDO M & GLI TTE RIN G WO NDE R!

tickets on sale now! justsofestival.org.uk

Marc Jackson

Join cartoonist Marc Jackson as he teaches you all about his favourite thing to make: comics! You’ll learn the basics, and a little more, about comics themselves and how to create funny characters to go inside them.

All skill levels welcome. Ages 6+. 12pm. Also at 5.15pm in The Books & Beats Tent

Alex Foulkes

Matt Buckingham

Join author and illustrator Matt Buckingham for a gentle story session with a drawing activity where the audience helps create characters in a collaborative workshop. Matt is the co-owner of Muddy Publishing, based in Stoke, who have a stall in the Marvellous Makers area of the festival. All ages. 1.30pm

Join author Alex Foulkes for an arty, fun-filled session in the world of MINISTRY OF MISCHIEF! Meet some cheeky monster friends and design one of your very own, creating their portrait to take away. Ages 7+. 3pm

Chie Kutsuwada

Discover the world of manga with Chie Kutsuwada.

Learn what makes this unique art form so special before taking part in a fun, step-by-step draw-along session. Packed with helpful tips and techniques, this hands-on workshop will guide you in creating your own manga-style artwork to take home.

Ages 11+. 4.30pm

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The Books and Beats Tent Hosted by Staffordshire Library Service

Àlàbá Ònájìn

We are delighted to be part of The Festival of Brilliant again this year. Please come and say hello to the team in the library tent in The Book & Beats Tent.

There will be drop-in activities and crafts to get stuck into and you can learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge, so you can continue the book fun throughout the school holidays.

Take a thrilling ride with author-illustrator Àlàbá Ònájìn into Koroba: The Case of the Missing Kolo, the first comic mystery in an exciting new series for middle-graders. Immerse yourself in a rich, colorful world, interrogate every suspect, and see if you can solve the mystery in time. Ages 7+. (Friday)

Matt Windle

Yarnbird Arts

What happens when football and your favourite fairy Footy Fairy Tales tales collide? Watch a talented striker ‘Cindy-Ella’ chase the ball and find her spark, help Little Red Riding Hoodie stick to the right path and defeat a terrible troll who says ‘No Ball Games Allowed!’. With live music and super storytelling, this performance will have the whole family cheering from the stands. All ages. 11.15am & 2.15pm

Do you love poetry? Great. Not a fan? Even better.

Either way, Poetry with Punch is for you. Join former Commonwealth Boxing Champion and performance poet Matt Windle for a high-energy session designed to inspire, engage, and entertain. Blending the worlds of sport and spoken word, Matt proves that poetry isn’t just something you read – it’s something you listen to and something that you feel. Ages 7+. 12.45pm

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Charlotte Rowley

Charlotte Rowley is a headteacher at a primary school with a passion for writing. She loves poetry in particular and will share her love for rhyme with us at the festival.

Join her for a fun poetry workshop and discover your love for writing! Ages 7+. 3.45pm

Marc Jackson, 5.15pm. Also at The Hive Tent, 12pm (see p9)

Garden of Dreams

Gabriella Gay

Join poet Gabriella Gay in the Garden of Dreams for a fun and friendly drop-in workshop. Explore the magical grounds, sit and daydream, and give poetry writing a try.

All ages and skill levels welcome. 11am – 1pm, 1.45pm – 4pm, drop-in

Reading Fairy

Reading Fairy classes help parents to model the correct sounds that go with each letter of the alphabet, as well as ways to engage with your little one to encourage speaking and listening. Join a Reading Fairy session at The Festival of Brilliant. Early years and up. 1pm

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Noisy Noise Noise Working Boys Club

An interactive sound library for noisy children and their grown-ups! There are over 90 books, each of which, when pressed with a gentle finger, will trigger a noise. It could be a song, a film clip, a meme, or just something a bit rude and funny! Noisy Noise Noise is produced

by Activate Performing Arts, producers of Inside Out Dorset, and was created with funding from BCP Cultural Hub. All ages. All day

Running Wild – Out and About Biddulph Old Hall History Walk

Enjoy a tour of the Hall and learn about the history of the buildings, the ruins, and the occupants of the house. You will also hear the exciting story of Robert Bateman and the love of his life Caroline Howard, intertwined with Nigel and Brian’s journey in restoring the Hall. Sign up at the Information Tent. Younger ages 11am, Older ages 2pm

BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY

Cat and Mouse Theatre present: BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY. Everyone joins in as American director Marty Beilsperg and master raconteur Charles Bexley Heath create a high-energy “Greatest Hits” of children’s literature. Watch as icons like Frodo, Alice, and The Gruffalo find themselves trapped in all the wrong stories in this unpredictable literary mash-up. Immersive theatre at its best. Ages 4+. 12.00pm & 2.30pm

PiCL

Choose your own adventure; dig for treasure (metaphorically); explore the folklore of Biddulph; and meet a cast of quirky characters who can help you design your very own creative story zine. (Friday)

The Magic Lantern

This curious contraption travels the land with its crew of storytellers, musicians, and puppeteers – telling and collecting stories, lighting up woodlands, and creating magic wherever it goes. Join storyteller Ian Douglas and puppeteer Jo Douglas for wild words and wonder.

All ages. 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm 13

Zig Zag! is a charming, non-verbal outdoor duet for

all ages from Autin Dance Theatre. Two performers build a playful world from simple objects—dozens of wooden reels—setting tiny tasks that become big decisions. From chaos to calm, connection to division, they fix jams and rebuild together with crafted object manipulations and comic clarity. All ages. 11.15am, 1.30pm & 3.45pm

And lookout for The Tiger Who Came to Tea running wild! Throughout the day

The Hall - Calm Eden THE HALL – CALM EDEN The Festival quiet space where you can also listen to library books on headphones. Explore books and stories in the beautiful surroundings of Biddulph Old Hall.

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Marvellous Makers STALLS • How Brave is the Wren – The Festival Bookshop • Literacy for Life • Muddy Publishing • Nat McPostles Illustration • Polly Pin • The Pressed Petal • Marc Jackson • Aurelia & Cosmo • Reading Fairy • Lions Club

Green Eggs & Ham FOOD VENDORS A range of food and drink vendors offering hot food, snacks and refreshments, including: • Hyacinth Ice Cream – Fresh handmade real dairy ice cream and quality fruit sorbets • Ginger Cat – Ethically sourced speciality coffee • Untamed Grill – Award-winning street food, grilling local produce with flavours from around the world

Partners FAMILY HUB Join the Family Hub team for lots of fun activities and crafts linked to your children’s favourite books!

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STAFFORDSHIRE VIRTUAL SCHOOLS Staffordshire Virtual Schools will be running bookmark and bracelet craft activities and can offer advice for any families with children in care.

m m er u S

at the

Libraries

n Marc Jackso Join cartoonist Marc Jackson (THE BEANO, PHOENIX, and GOOF COMIC) for a crazy-fun, comics and cartoon art workshop!!

You’ll learn how to create characters for comics, all the basics to how they can be made, whilst breaking the rules and having fun all at the same time.

Let’s celebrate drawing and having fun, taking away the concerns about getting things ‘right’ or having it ‘perfect’ Marc brings his own brand of lively comics making to your library!

Ages 6+ Biddulph Library, Tuesday 28th July, 11am – 12pm.

Visit your local library this summer for lots of book themed activities and sign-up for the Summer Reading Challenge at the same time!

Cheadle Community Library, Tuesday 28th July, 2pm – 3pm.

Rats Tales An interactive story performance for children and families from the New Vic Theatre.

Join us on a 30 minute escapade of fun and adventure with our re-telling the story of The Pied Piper, with a few twists, a few surprises and a few strange noises!

Lydia Monks Join bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator, Lydia Monks, for a fun and interactive event to understand how she creates her bestselling books. Discuss how she comes up with ideas, plots and creates characters. Hear how she illustrates books with Julia Donaldson such as Princess Mirrorbelle; The Toothfairy and the Crocodile and the What the Ladybird Heard series and what her process is for writing her own books such as The Six Queens, her new nonfiction book. Ages 4+ Werrington Library, Friday 31st July, 11am – 11.45am.

Get ready to wiggle your whiskers because we need you to come along with us! Ages 5+.

Leek Library, Thursday 30th July, 11am & 2pm.

Blythe Bridge Library, Friday 31st July, 11am & 2pm.

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Timetable The Brilliant Stage

The Island Tent

10:00 - 10:15 10.30 - 10.45

David Gibb

10.45 - 11:00 11:15 - 11:30 11.30 - 11.45

Jenny McLachlan

10.30am Ages 3+

Sensory Story Time 10.45am All Ages

11am

BSL Ages 6+

Footy Fairy Tales 11.15am All Ages

11.45 - 12:00 12:00 - 12.15

Bethan Woollvin

12.15 - 12.30

12pm Ages 4+

12.30 - 12.45 12.45 - 1.00 1.00 - 1.15 1.15 - 1.30

1.30pm Ages 7+

3pm Ages 3+

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6.00 - 6.15

Alex Foulkes 3pm Ages 7+

Louie Stowell

Charlotte Rowley

3pm

3.45pm Ages 7+

BSL Ages 7+ Lisette Auton 4.30pm Ages 6+

5.00 - 5.15

5.45 - 6.00

2.15pm All Ages

Sian Radford

4.45 - 5.00

5:30 - 5.45

Footy Fairy Tales

2.15pm

4.30 - 4.45

5.15 - 5.30

1.30pm All Ages

BSL Ages 10+

3.30 - 3.45

4.15 - 4.30

Matt Buckingham

Chris Haughton

3.15 - 3.30

4.00 - 4.15

12.45pm Ages 7+

Kieran Larwood

3.00 - 3.15

3.45 - 4.00

Matt Windle

BSL Ages 7+

2.00 - 2.15

2.45 - 3.00

12pm Ages 6+

12.45pm

1.45 - 2.00

2.30 - 2.45

Marc Jackson

Joseph Coelho

1.30 - 1.45

2.15 - 2.30

Books and Beats

Sensory Story Time 10am All Ages

10:15 - 10.30

11.00 - 11.15

The Hive Tent

E.L. Norry 5.15pm

BSL Ages 8+

Chie Kutsuwada 4.30pm Ages 11+

Marc Jackson 5.15pm Ages 6+

Saturday 11th July Garden of Dreams

Running Wild – Out and about!

10:00 - 10:15 10:15 - 10.30 10.30 - 10.45

The Magic Lantern

10.45 - 11:00

10.30am All Ages

Biddulph Old Hall History Walk Younger Ages

Gabriella Gay (drop-in)

11.00 - 11.15 11:15 - 11:30

Zig Zag!

11.15am All Ages

11.30 - 11.45

11am

11am – 1pm All Ages

11.45 - 12:00 12:00 - 12.15

BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY

12.15 - 12.30

12pm Ages 4+

12.30 - 12.45 12.45 - 1.00

The Magic Lantern 1.30pm All Ages

Gabriella Gay (drop-in) 1.45pm – 4pm All Ages

Zig Zag!

1.30pm All Ages

Biddulph Old Hall History Walk Older Ages 2pm

BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY 2.30pm Ages 4+

The Tiger Who Came to Tea (all day)

1pm All Ages

Noisy Noise Noise (all day)

Reading Fairy

1.00 - 1.15 1.15 - 1.30 1.30 - 1.45 1.45 - 2.00 2.00 - 2.15 2.15 - 2.30 2.30 - 2.45 2.45 - 3.00 3.00 - 3.15 3.15 - 3.30 3.30 - 3.45

Zig Zag

3.45pm All Ages

3.45 - 4.00 4.00 - 4.15 4.15 - 4.30

The Magic Lantern 4.30pm All Ages

4.30 - 4.45 4.45 - 5.00 5.00 - 5.15 5.15 - 5.30 5:30 - 5.45 5.45 - 6.00 6.00 - 6.15

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Friday School Programme

THE BOOKS & BEATS TENT

THE HIVE TENT

THE ISLAND TENT

THE BRILLIANT STAGE

• • •

• •

• •

• •

•

Louie Stowell – Discover Loki’s rule-breaking reading manifesto, the Lokifesto, learn to draw Loki and test your Norse myths knowledge with a quiz. Warning: mischief is guaranteed!

Dr Sheila Kanani – This event will make you a scientist, Yes, YOU! Join scientist and author Sheila Kanani as she introduces you to 25 inspiring scientists from throughout history.

Lisette Auton – A quick-fire ridiculously fun worldbuilding workshop where with just a piece of paper, a pencil and a bucket load of creativity and imagination we create an entire story and world via the power of making maps.

Jenny McLachlan –Travel with Jenny McLachlan to the magical Land of Roar and help her hatch an enormous dragon from an egg, put on a play and discover if you belong in House Fang or House Flame at Dragon Rider Academy.

Lydia Monks – Join bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator, Lydia Monks, for a fun and interactive event to understand how she creates her bestselling books.

Bethan Woollvin – Join children’s book author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin for an exciting workshop inspired by her bold retelling of Robin Hood.

Lydia Monks – See The Island Tent

Àlàbá Ònájìn - Take a thrilling ride with author-illustrator Àlàbá Ònájìn into Koroba: The Case of the Missing Kolo. Immerse yourself in a rich, colourful world, interrogate every suspect, and see if you can solve the mystery in time.

Matt Windle - Join former Commonwealth Boxing Champion and performance poet Matt Windle for a high-energy workshop. Blending the worlds of sport and spoken word, Matt proves that poetry isn’t just something you read – it’s something you listen to and something that you feel.

The Magic Lantern – Join storyteller Ian Douglas and puppeteer Jo Douglas for wild words and wonderment.

Explore during the breaks RUNNING WILD

•

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• •

BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY – Cat and Mouse Theatre Watch as icons like Frodo, Alice, and The Gruffalo find themselves trapped in all the wrong stories in this unpredictable literary mash-up. Immersive theatre at its best.

Noisy Noise Noise – Working Boys Club Experience this interactive sound library where each book, when pressed, will trigger a noise.

PiCL - Partners in Creative Learning & Creative Future Leaders presents: Diggin’ Stories.

“

Verse & Vibes Teen Event Join Matt Windle – former Poet Laureate and Commonwealth Boxing Champion 22/23 – for an honest, interactive workshop evening where creativity meets all real life.

Got something Got so et ng to say m but hi no to sa y t nott sure wherbu e to start? sure where to st art?

Want to level up yo ur rhyming?

Want to level up Or just curious abou your rhymin t spoken word and what it’g? ab t?

Or just curiouss all abouou t ssio spTh okisensewo isd rdnan foratyoit’u.s wh

No pressure, no judgement – just a space to make mistakes, experiment, and be heard.

Throughout the evening, there’ll be snacks, drinks, and plenty of good vibes. Come and hang out, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in the incredible surroundings of Biddulph Old Hall and the Festival of Brilliant.

Friday 10th July in The Brilliant Stage Tent at Biddulph Old Hall.

Arrive from 6pm, event starts at 6:30pm.

Ages 14-18. Book your free tickets here:

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Accessibility THE SITE - Biddulph Old Hall and gardens is a

beautiful site made up mainly of grass areas with some gentle slopes, paving, and gravel pathways. There is a walk from the main car park to the main entrance across a field (this is approximately 260 metres), with a slope. An access buggy will be available. There is an accessible entrance to the site through the gardens of the Hall.

Accessible parking is available. Please email hello@outsidearts.org for a code to book a free accessible parking ticket. On arrival, please let the marshals at the entrance know if you require this type of parking.

You can see a video of the terrain and area by scanning this QR code.

TOILETS - There is an accessible toilet located close to the accessible entrance.

There will be signage on toilet doors encouraging people to use them only if they need access facilities. There is an AccessoLoo changing place unit on site. Inside AccessoLoo there is: a full-sized changing table, a toilet, and a ceiling-mounted tracking hoist. For more information, email hello@outsidearts.org or come to the access information tent.

PROGRAMMING - Where BSL is provided you will see ‘BSL’ next to the programme description. Much of the programming on The Brilliant Stage has a BSL interpreter.

QUIET TIME - In need of a rest? Head to The Hall -

Calm Eden, where you will find a comfortable area to relax, or pick a shady spot in the beautiful hall gardens.

OUTSIDE is committed to removing barriers. We have a flexible approach to access and are interested in hearing your thoughts. If you want to chat about what would help you get the most out of the experience, please feel free to contact us. In advance of the festival, email hello@outsidearts.org If you are at the festival, head to the access information tent, and we’ll be happy to talk about your experience. We want to work out the best version of The Festival of Brilliant with you. Please come and talk to us; we are listening.

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General Information FESTIVAL ADDRESS - Biddulph Old Hall, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7SQ TIMES - The festival site opens on Saturday, July 11th at 9:30am and closes after the program finishes at 6:00pm.

See the Saturday timetable on pages 18-19.

TRAVEL - A free local festival shuttle bus service from Biddulph Town Centre will be operating in the surrounding area throughout the day (see map on page 24). The bus will drop off and pick up at The Talbot pub. Please note it is a 10-minute walk from the bus drop-off to Biddulph Old Hall.

Parking is available at Biddulph Old Hall for £5 per car. Please car share where possible. Tickets can be purchased with festival tickets or separately at a later date via the ticket link. The main car park entrance is on Overton Road and will be clearly signposted. It is possible for anyone attending the festival to use the off-road path to access the event. This path runs alongside The Talbot pub and will be clearly marked and marshalled on the day.

TICKETS - Tickets are available to book in advance at festivalofbrilliant.org Standard tickets for Saturday cost £8 per person (free for children under 3) for the whole day. Subsidised tickets are available for £5 if cost is a barrier to access. Supporter tickets are £12, which includes a contribution to our pay-itforward scheme for free tickets for children and families in the Staffordshire Moorlands who are being supported by our charity/community group partners.

If you are unable to book online, we can assist with ticket booking, email: festivalofbrilliant@outsidearts.org DOGS - No dogs (other than assistance dogs) are permitted on site for the duration of the festival.

PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING - You are welcome to take photographs and videos of the festival site and programmed events for personal use. Photography and videography by OUTSIDE will be taking place during the event. By booking tickets, ticket holders consent to being photographed/filmed to promote OUTSIDE and its projects.

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Catch the Book Bus CATCH THE BOOK BUS! Saturday 11th July

Free shuttle bus operated by Hollinshead Coaches Between Biddulph Town Centre (Wharf Road Bus Hub) & The Talbot Pub It is a 10-minute walk from the pub to Biddulph Old Hall

Biddulph Old Hall

7

A52

es Every 30 minut s from First bus depart 5am .4 Wharf Rd at 9 s from Final bus depart The Talbot at 6:30pm

The Talbot Pub

Biddulph Roaring Meg Wharf Road Bus Hub*

P

Leisure Centre Family Hub

7

A52

Biddulph Youth & Community Zone * Connects with D&G #93 Biddulph circular

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P The Leisure Centre has free parking for users of the book bus

JOIN THE MOVEMENT Your local place to move more, feel great, and stay active Discover MyActive Biddulph, where active wellbeing is for everyone. With a friendly, inclusive atmosphere and activities for all ages and abilities, you'll find everything you need to move more and feel better.

Enjoy our spacious gym, 25m swimming pool, group exercise classes, squash courts, and sports hall, all under one roof.

find out more

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Partners & Funders With thanks to…

By kind permission of Brian Vowles and David Daly, joint owners of Biddulph Old Hall.

Thanks to The Talbot pub for use of their car park for bus drop off point.

Special thanks to The Festival of Brilliant Steering Group, PH Production Services, Councillor Jim Garvey, Biddulph Yarnbarms and Biddulph Arts Festival for their support.

Thank you to all the fantastic Festival of Brilliant volunteers, we couldn’t do it without you!

Thank you to Stoke Lions for supporting the Biddulph Schools bus service.

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Programme designed by Muddy Publishing.

Autograph Collection A favourite author, illustrator, poet or performer…

See how many autographs you can collect during the festival.

How many black musical notes did you spot in the programme?

27

10-1 1 July th ‘26

N

B

festivalofbrilliant.org

Accessible Entrance The Hall Garden of Quiet Space Dreams

Green Eggs & Ham

Marvellous Makers

+

N

B

Noisy Noise Noise

The Hive Tent

Main Entrance

i

Sink & Water Tap

Melody Meadow Picnic Area

Changing Places Cubicle

Information & Tickets

Accessible Toilet

Toilets

Access Tickets & Information

i

The Talbot for the Book Bus

+ First Aid Tent

A

The Books & Beats Tent

How Brave is the Wren Bookshop

The Magic Lantern

BOOKBOOSTER FACTORY

Zig Zag! i

The Brilliant Stage

The Island Tent

Key

A

Map Main Parking Field & Accessible Parking