Bradford Literature Festival Reveals 2026 Education Programme
October 14, 2025Free curriculum-linked events planned for local students
The Bradford Literature Festival has announced its Education Programme for 2026, offering a series of free events designed to support and enrich the learning experience of students across the North. Running from Wednesday 24 June to Friday 10 July 2026, the programme is open to schools and home educators teaching Key Stage 2, 3, and 4 pupils.
Programme overview
The Education Programme aims to bring curriculum topics to life through a range of talks, workshops, and live performances. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with writers, poets, illustrators, scientists, historians, journalists, and other professionals. Many of these contributors also feature in the main Bradford Literature Festival, providing students access to award-winning local, national, and international artists.
Participation and themes
In 2025, the Education Programme reached 31,695 children and young people through 65 live shows, involving 35 authors, poets, scientists, and historians. A total of 69 schools from across the North took part, attending events on topics such as poetry, history, civil rights, classic literature, and Shakespeare.
The 2026 programme offers tailored events for different key stages, with themes including:
- Primary Key Stage 2: Myths, Legends and Magical Creatures; Adventures in Ancient Egypt; A Journey Through Time; The Universe and You; Under the Sea; Performance Poetry; Introducing Shakespeare.
- Secondary Key Stage 3 & 4: Shaking Up Shakespeare; Classic Fiction Everyone Should Read; Dystopia & Utopia; The Gothic; Performance Poetry; American Independence.
Learning opportunities
Primary students will have the chance to create their own magical creatures, explore historical periods such as the Viking and Egyptian eras, and interact with professionals like astronomers and deep-sea divers. A dedicated Shakespeare Day is also planned to introduce younger pupils to the playwright and prepare them for secondary education studies.
For secondary students, activities include designing alternative utopian worlds, writing slam poetry on social causes, and performing Shakespeare’s sonnets in new formats.
Booking and further information
The Education Programme is available to book for schools and home educators. Those interested can find more details and secure places via the official Bradford Literature Festival website.
The Bradford Literature Festival’s Education Programme continues to provide opportunities for young people to engage with literature and related subjects in interactive and meaningful ways.
