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P17 Marvellous Makers & Green Eggs & Ham
P18 Saturday Timetable
P21 Friday Schools Programme
P22 Accessibility
P23 General Information
P26 Partners & Funders
* Details p4-17 for Saturday, see p22 for Friday schools programme
Welcome to The Festival of Brilliant 2025!
Friday 11th July – for schools and community groups
Saturday 12th July – for families
Welcome from OUTSIDE
Sarah Bird, Creative Director, OUTSIDE
We’re thrilled to welcome you to the second Festival of Brilliant –a joyful celebration of children’s books, storytelling and imagination. This year’s theme, The Story Garden, invites you to wander, wonder and grow through stories – and what better place to plant your imagination than the enchanted grounds of Biddulph Old Hall? Inspired once again by The Island of Brilliant podcast and brought to you by a volunteer steering group of local librarians, authors, artists, teachers and enthusiastic readers, we’ve created a festival full of magical moments and creative adventures. We’re delighted the festival continues to build new partnerships with other brilliant organisations locally, regionally and nationally, who are promoting the transformative impact of reading for pleasure. Whether you're discovering tales in secret garden corners, crafting characters under leafy canopies, or meeting the writers behind your favourite stories, there’s something here for every curious reader and budding storyteller. We hope you'll leave feeling inspired to dig deeper into books, join the Summer Reading Challenge – and perhaps even start writing your own. 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.
The Brilliant Stage
Scarlett Ward, Staffordshire Poet Laureate (see p11), performs a new poem to open the festival. 10am
Alan Pollock shares excerpts from his book The Bear who went to War, the true story of Wojtek the bear adopted by Polish soldiers in WW2. Alan came across the story while working with Polish emigrés in Coventry and was struck by the youth and bravery of the soldiers, and the bond they developed with Wojtek. Ages 4-6 10.15am BSL
Enjoy a musical interlude with family folk musician (and children’s author) Ashley Fayth. A native of Newfoundland, she now lives in Chester and performs original songs inspired by nature and the changing seasons. All ages 11am, 1.45pm, 3.15pm
Join author/illustrator Bethan Woollvin for a funfilled fairytale workshop inspired by her twisted tale Rapunzel. There’ll be a reading, peek at the artwork process, and an exciting fairytale-themed drawing activity! Ages 4-7 11.30am BSL
Meet award-winning novelist and screenwriter Elle McNicoll. Her debut, A Kind of Spark, won the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2021. It was also noted number 75 in The 100 Greatest Children’s Books of All Time in 2023. She is Scottish, autistic and an advocate for better neurodiversity representation in publishing. Ages 9+ 4pm BSL
Alan Pollock
Ashley Fayth
Elle McNicholl
The Island of
Podcast hosts Nadia Shireen and Frank Cottrell Boyce have been marooned on the island now for two years, with a mountain of brilliant children’s books to read and discuss with guests who drift ashore. In this live recording, they’ll welcome two mystery guests for the usual snacks’n’books chitchat and a quiz like no other… Ages 8+ 1pm BSL
Join acclaimed children’s author, Joseph Coelho OBE, for an interactive event featuring an unlikely new hero in Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter. Discover a world of adventure and genie lore, learn all about the history and inspiration behind the action-packed story, and uncover the skills it takes to be a world class genie hunter. Ages 9+ (Friday)
Join Lucy Edwards for an interactive event celebrating her debut novel, Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer. Step into Ella’s world through blindfolded sensory games, a Braille code-breaking challenge, and a special appearance by her guide dog, Miss Molly. Ages 8+ 5.30pm BSL
Enter a world where nature is alive with magic with Pari Thomson, as she introduces Greenwild: The World Behind The Door. Expect readings, and a creative task to inspire you to look for the magic in nature. Ages 10+ 2.30pm
Joseph Coelho
Lucy Edwards
Pari Thompson
The Island Tent
Enter the wonderful world of bees in this interactive event with author Ben Hoare, packed with bee-rilliant facts to boggle your brain from his book Think Big: Secrets of Bees! We’ll build our very own bee, see pollination come to life on stage and there’ll be a fun quiz. Ages 7-9 3.15pm
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+ 4.45pm
Join author Christopher Edge on a heart-racing journey exploring the imaginative, empowering world of his mind-bendingly brilliant novel, Escape Room: Game Zero. Anything is possible and nothing is as it seems; can you uncover the secrets and save the world, before it’s too late? Ages 8+ 1.45pm
Are YOU our planet’s next nature hero!?
Join Lily Dyu, author of Nature Heroes, in this hopeful, inspiring and action-packed event to learn all about the world around us, why it’s important to protect it, and how YOU can make a difference. Ages 9+ 10.45am
Charlotte Rowley
Lily Dyu
Ben Hoare
Christopher Edge
Steven Lenton
Join illustrator Steven Lenton for a magical time with the How To Grow series of picture books! Learn how Sarah and Mr Pottifer grow Unicorns, Dragons and MERMAIDS! There’ll be storytelling, a draw-along and you’ll help Steven create a UNIQUE magical creature! Ages 4+ 12.15pm
The Hive Tent
THE HIVE TENT
Author and illustrator Adeola Sokunbi introduces the wonderful world of Destiny Ink, who uses creativity to overcome her worries. Draw your very own friendly (or scary!) monsters in this inktastic doodle workshop. Ages 5+ 1.45pm
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+ 4.45pm
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. Early years and up 10.45am
Adeola Sukunbi
Adeola Sokunbi
Marc Jackson
Matt Buckingham
Write your own mystery story with author and BookTrust Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence. Unleash your imagination and bring your own thrilling tales to life! Discover the secrets to crafting your very own mystery story, with insider tips inspired by Patrice’s latest page-turner, People Like Stars. Ages 8-12 12.15pm
Join writer and performer Steven Camden aka Polarbear for a session of story building. Create characters, worlds and stories from nothing in a relaxed and talky workshop where we turn blank paper into whatever we like. Ages 11+ (Friday)
Bethan Woollvin Also at The Brilliant Stage see p4. 3.15pm
What 3 Words?
Have you heard any good (new) words today? Jot down your three favourite words or phrases from the festival below…
Patrice Lawrence
Steven Camden
The Story Garden
Hosted by Staffordshire Library Service
Join author Alex Falase-Koya as he shares fun activities and stories about Marvin who discovers a mysterious superhero suit! This exciting workshop is organised in partnership with BookTrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity, and Kinship, the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales.
Ages 6+ 11.30am
Step into the world of the wild and set sail with Dolittle, Dab Dab, Chee-Chee, and a very special crew on an exciting 35-minute interactive performance. Join the adventure with the world’s most famous animal doctor as they explore new lands, helps animals in need – and maybe even talk to them too! Ages 4+ 2.30pm BSL
Find out how illustrator Kate Slater makes her characterful wildlife illustrations using all sorts of paper scraps in this interactive session. Create a collage of your own to take home, inspired by nature and the great outdoors.
Ages 6+ (Friday)
Stoke the Fiery Dragon is 100 years old and is losing her puff! She needs the help of two potter friends and YOU to revive her memory and keep her fiery puff alive. Join this fun, theatrical trip down memory lane, through some of Staffordshire’s historical highlights over the last 100 years. Ages 4+ 3.15pm
Dr Dolittle New Vic Education
New Vic Senior Youth Theatre
Stoke the Fiery Dragon
Alex Falase-Koya
Kate Slater
Join writer and illustrator Ruth Hearson for a masterclass and sketch crawl. All ages 4pm
Step into a sensory storytelling session – look, listen, touch, smell, sing and feel your way through Ruth’s book Zeki Hikes. Then create your very own piece of artwork to take home. Age 5 & under 10.15am
Scarlett Ward is the current Staffordshire Poet
Laureate 2024-2026. At the festival, Scarlett performs a new poem inspired by nature, written to open the festival (10am on The Brilliant Stage) and is running nature-themed workshops. Ages 8+ 4.45pm
Family Hub
Author and illustrator Thomas Docherty presents Into The Wild – a celebration of the amazing wildlife that we can find right on our very own doorsteps. Expect live drawing and big cardboard props! Plus a special reading of Moon Girl, Thomas’ latest picture book. Ages 3+ 1pm
Join the Family Hub team for Gruffalo and Elmer themed fun with craft activities, games and storytelling. Early years and up. All day
National Literacy Trust – Book Detectives
Together with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries, we’re on the hunt to find our city’s 100 favourite children’s books to celebrate 100 years of Stoke, as part of our mission to grow a generation of readers. To narrow down their favourites, we’re inviting children to become Book Detectives. All ages All day
Ruth Hearson
Scarlett Ward
Thomas Docherty
Staffordshire Library Service
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 Story Garden. Why not sign-up to the Summer Reading Challenge at the same time and continue the book fun throughout the school holidays. Reading for pleasure is our business!!
Garden of Dreams
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
An interactive sound library for noisy children and their grown-ups! There are over 90 books, each of which will, when pressed with a gentle finger, 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
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
Gabriella Gay Reading Fairy
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. Younger ages 11am, Older ages 2pm
Once Upon A Bounce – Max Calaf
Max Calaf is a trampoline artist who brings movement and storytelling together in unexpected ways. In this special performance, he explores the magic of books through acrobatics and movement, using the trampoline to turn pages into motion and words into flight. See stories from a whole new perspective! All ages 10.45am, 1.45pm, 3.15pm
PiCL
Calling all swashbucklers, rogues, wizards and adventuring types! Keep an eye out for the PiCL Players, who will be looking to recruit young adventurers to complete secret quests throughout the festival. For questors age 7+ no previous experience of dragon slaying or dungeoneering required! (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 wonderment. All ages 11.15am, 2:15pm, 4.30pm
The Bewonderment Machine – A Bird in the Hand Theatre
This cycle-powered carousel is a magical journey for small children. A joyful call to re-wild our imaginations, and a celebration of the creatures that are increasingly losing their familiar place in our children’s lives and in their language. The Bewonderment Machine has been created with the support of Without Walls. Early years and up
All day
And… Character Costume Walkabouts!
Look out for The Gruffalo & Elmer the Elephant running wild! Throughout the day
I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE…
A bird, a butterfly, a bug, a flower… What have you spotted at the festival? Sketch something you’ve seen today in the gardens at Biddulph Old Hall.
The Hall - Calm Eden
THE HALL – CALM EDEN
A quiet and reflective space where you can listen to library books on headphones. Explore books and sounds from nature in the beautiful surroundings of Biddulph Old Hall.
Marvellous Makers
STALLS
• How Brave is the Wren – The Festival Bookshop
• Art UK - Fun activity looking at artworks
• Creations by Kaz
• Emily Hopkinson
• Freya’s Fables – Independent Usborne Partner
• KYM Krafts
• Lovely Little Sparrow
• Muddy Publishing
• Polly Pin
• Reading Fairy
• Staffordshire Virtual School
• Staffordshire Wildlife Trust – Nature in Your Neighbourhood
• The Pressed Petal
Green Eggs & Ham
FOOD VENDORS
• Howe & Co – Serving up the finest fish and chips
• Tribe 44 – Fusion street food with East African inspired Indian food
• Hyacinth ice cream – Fresh handmade real dairy ice cream and quality fruit sorbets
We’re a creative studio specialising in visual storytelling, printed resources, and illustrated products. From children’s book illustrations and publication design to marketing materials and bespoke graphics, we turn ideas into eye-catching, imaginative creations.
Visit us online or at our studio/shop located at Middleport Studios, Middleport Pottery, ST6 3PE (Free parking and a lovely café)
Socials: @muddypublishing
Web: www.muddypublishing.com
Email: mail@muddypublishing.com
School Visits
Matt Buckingham is an experienced illustrator and author who offers engaging workshops that emphasise creative thinking, storytelling, and literacy. The sessions are fun, interactive, and inspiring. Matt offers full school day visits, accommodating all-year groups and key stages.
For all enquiries, please visit: www.mattbuckingham.co.uk
Friday School Programme
• Patrice Lawrence – Dive into latest page-turner People Like Stars, with insider tips on crafting your own compelling mystery. Key Stage 2 10.30am
• Joseph Coelho – Discover a world of adventure and genie lore, learn all about the history and inspiration behind Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter. Key Stage 2 11.45am
• Bethan Woollvin – A fun-filled fairytale workshop with reading and drawing, inspired by Rapunzel. Key Stage 1 1.30pm
• Adeola Sukunbi – Draw your very own friendly (or scary!) monsters in this inktastic doodle workshop. Key Stage 1 1.30pm Also in The Story Garden 10.30am
• Alan Pollock – Hear excerpts from The Bear who went to War, the true story of Wojtek the bear adopted by Polish soldiers in WW2. Key Stage 1 11.45am
• Steven Camden aka Polarbear – Create characters, worlds and stories from nothing in a relaxed and talky workshop where we turn blank paper into whatever we like. Key Stage 2 10.30am, 1.30pm
• Matt Buckingham – Help create characters in a collaborative workshop with a drawing activity and story session. Key Stage 1 11.45am
• Marc Jackson – Learn the basics, and a little more, about comics and how to create funny characters to go inside them. Key Stage 2 10.30am
• Kate Slater – Create a collage of your own to take home, inspired by nature and the great outdoors. Key Stage 1 11.45am
• Ruth Hearson – Pick up top drawing tips and techniques, and take a sketch crawl to create your very own sketchbook drawings. Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 1.30pm
• Noisy Noise Noise – Working Boys Club Experience this interactive sound library where each book, when pressed, will trigger a noise. Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 All day
• The Magic Lantern – Join storyteller Ian Douglas and puppeteer Jo Douglas for wild words and wonderment. Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 10.30am, 1.30pm
• Once Upon A Bounce – Max Calaf Watch this incredible trampolinist explore the magic of books through acrobatics and movement. Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 11.30am, 1pm
• PiCL Players – Complete secret quests throughout the day Key Stage 2
Accessibility
THE SITE - Biddulph Old Hall and gardens is a beautiful site made up of mainly 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 down to main entrance. There is an accessible entrance to the site through the gardens of the Hall.
Accessible parking is available. Please email access@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 only use them if they need access facilities. There is an AccessoLoo changing places unit on site. Inside AccessoLoo there is: full-sized changing table, toilet, ceiling tracking hoist. For more information, email access@outsidearts.org or come to the 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 comfy area with headphones playing audio books and sounds from nature, 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 to get the most out of the experience, please feel free to contact us. In advance of the festival, email access@outsidearts.org
If you are at the festival, head to the 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.
General Information
FESTIVAL ADDRESS - Biddulph Old Hall, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7SQ
TIMES - The festival site opens on Saturday 12th July at 9.30am, and closes after the programme finishes at 6.30pm. See the Saturday timetable on p18-19.
TRAVEL - A free local festival shuttle bus service from Biddulph Town Centre will be in operation in the surrounding area throughout the day (see timetable on p24). It will drop-off/pick-up at The Talbot pub. Please note it is a 15-minute walk from the bus drop off to Biddulph Old Hall. Parking is available at Biddulph Old Hall at a cost of £5 per car. Please car share where possible. Tickets to be purchased along with festival tickets or can be purchased 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 runs from 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 £7.50 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 £10 which include a contribution to our pay it forward 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 not able to book online, we can support 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.
Catch the Book Bus
CATCH THE BOOK BUS!
Saturday 12th July
Free shuttle bus operated by Hollinshead Coaches
Between Biddulph Town Centre (Wharf Road Bus Hub) & The Talbot pub
It is a 15-minute walk from the pub to Biddulph Old Hall
2 02 5 * Connects with D&G #93 Biddulph circular
Grange
The Festival of Brilliant Book Bus Timetable - hourly figure-8 service * Connects with D&G #93 Biddulph circular Thanks to
Other Events
OUTSIDE other events
Keep up-to-date with OUTSIDE’s other events, projects and activities across the Staffordshire Moorlands at outsidearts.org Including….
This winter:
The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War – a thread through history. This stunning exhibition of knitted and crocheted wartime scenes will be on display at Great Wood Community Hall in Tean from 3rd to 30th December. Free tickets are available to book now at outsidearts.org
This summer: Where’s Wallaby with Peak Wildlife Park. Find the escaped wallabies hiding across the Staffordshire Moorlands! This sculpture trail of ten beautifully designed wallaby sculptures, painted by local artists, brings a splash of colour and creativity over the school summer holidays.
Sign up to the OUTSIDE newsletter to receive news and updates. Scan the QR code or visit outsidearts.org
OUTSIDE is an exciting new community arts programme created by and for the people of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Partners & Funders
With thanks to…
By kind permission of Brian Vowles and David Daly, joint owners of Biddulph Old Hall.
Supported by the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Community Climate and Nature Action Fund.
Thank you to The Wilbraham Charitable Trust for support.
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, Councillor Jim Garvey, and Biddulph Arts Festival for their support.
Programme designed by Muddy Publishing.
Immersive Teen Film Event
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (PG) OUTSIDE’s Youth Advisory Group and young programmers bring to you a magical evening of film, food and surprises dedicated just for ages 14-18, all inspired by the fantastical world of Harry Potter. You will experience an immersive themed film event with some surprises along the way!
Friday 11th July in The Brilliant Stage Tent at Biddulph Old Hall.
Arrival time from 6:00 pm - the film starts at 6.30 pm. Find out more and book tickets
This event been made possible with support from Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. Film Hub Midlands support people to watch, show, and make films in the Midlands.
Autograph Collection
A favourite author, illustrator, poet or performer… See how many autographs you can collect during the festival.