Celebrate reading at the BIG50 Book Festival
08 October 2026
The BIG50 Book Festival will feature a programme of free activities at venues across North Northamptonshire, helping people of all ages enjoy reading, storytelling and creativity.
Running from 16 to 25 October, the festival will bring together partners from across North Northamptonshire to showcase and celebrate the joy of reading, creativity and storytelling. Activities will take place in a range of locations across Corby, Kettering, Rushden, Wellingborough, Oundle and Irthlingborough.
The book festival programme will offer something for every age group, from sessions and activities for babies and young children to meet the author and creative writing opportunities.
Families with younger children can enjoy a wide range of Rhymetime and early years sessions throughout the festival, including special BIG50 events in libraries across North Northamptonshire. Children will also have the chance to take part in Gruffalo-themed storytelling and craft activities, interactive Explore-a-Story sessions and reading experiences designed to encourage a lifelong love of books.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on local creativity and talent, with opportunities to meet authors including Juliet Timpson and Amir Ali, alongside activities delivered with partners such as Writing East Midlands, Made With Many and the University of Northampton.
The BIG50 Book Festival aims to make reading and literacy activities accessible to as many people as possible, welcoming children, teens and young people, parents, carers and residents of all ages.
Reading has the power to inspire, educate and connect people, opening doors to new ideas, experiences and opportunities. The BIG50 Book Festival will showcase the wealth of reading, storytelling and creative activities taking place across North Northamptonshire, encouraging people of all ages to discover or rediscover a love of books.Dr Robin Webber–Jones, Chair of the BIG50 board and Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Curriculum at The Bedford College Group.
Whether it's a young child enjoying their first group storytime, a family taking part in activities at their local library, an aspiring writer meeting an author, or someone exploring new creative skills, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and we're delighted to be supporting this celebration of reading across North Northamptonshire.
The BIG50 Book Festival begins on 16 October. Find information about the festival programme, including dates, times and booking information on the BIG50 website and social media channels.