Bradford Literature Festival Unveils 2027 Education Programme
October 19, 2026New programme aims to engage thousands of young people with curriculum-linked events
The Bradford Literature Festival has announced the launch of its 2027 Education Programme, offering a series of curriculum-connected events designed for primary and secondary school students. The programme will run from 11 to 18 June 2027 at the University of Bradford and St George’s Hall, providing opportunities for young people to engage with a wide range of subjects through live experiences.
Programme details and themes
The Education Programme is one of the largest cultural education initiatives of its kind in the region. It brings together authors, poets, performers, scientists, historians, illustrators, and other specialists to present subjects in an interactive and memorable way. The 2027 programme includes themed days tailored to different Key Stages and age groups, covering topics such as Shakespeare, Earth and Space, performance poetry, gothic literature, visual storytelling, myths, and legends.
For Key Stage 2 students, six themed days are planned:
- Myths, Legends & Magical Creatures
- Earth and Space
- Great Explorers: Into the Unknown
- Under the Sea
- Performance and Poetry
- Introducing Shakespeare
Key Stage 3 and 4 students will have access to six different themed days, including:
- Rebels & Rulebreakers
- The World We Live In
- Gothic, Monsters & Dystopia
- Manga, Anime & Visual Storytelling
- Performance Poetry
- Shaking Up Shakespeare
Access and participation
Each student place is valued at £25; however, attendance is offered free of charge to non-fee-paying schools, education groups, and home educators. This approach aims to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent children and young people from accessing the programme.
Since its inception in 2014, the Education Programme has welcomed nearly 249,000 students and educators. In 2026, the programme engaged over 38,000 children and young people across 78 live sessions, involving 60 primary and secondary schools as well as home-educated learners.
Educational approach and additional resources
The programme is designed to go beyond traditional classroom learning by immersing students in their subjects through talks, demonstrations, performances, and interactive sessions. This format encourages participation, questioning, and the discovery of new perspectives.
Alongside the live events, the Bradford Literature Festival offers a Digital Education Programme. This includes free lesson plans, worksheets, teaching resources, and recorded talks and performances for Key Stages 2, 3, and 4, allowing schools to extend the programme’s impact throughout the year.
Booking information
The 2027 Bradford Literature Festival will take place from 11 to 18 June 2027. Bookings for the Education Programme are now open. Schools and educators interested in participating can find more information and book places via the festival’s website:
