Brimscombe Mill Children’s Book Festival: a joyful family day out for young readers
Are you looking for a fun, low-cost family day out near Stroud this October?
Brimscombe Mill Children’s Book Festival is bringing brilliant children’s authors, illustrators, creative workshops and hands-on story activities to the Mill for a weekend of imagination, making and family fun.
Taking place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10 October, the festival is designed especially for families with young children, with interactive author shows, drawing, storytelling, book swaps, craft workshops, a scavenger hunt, food from The Long Table, and space to play.
This is not a sit-still-and-be-quiet kind of book festival. It is a relaxed, welcoming and interactive children’s book festival where children can listen, draw, make, move, explore and discover stories in their own way.
A book festival for children and families
As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, Brimscombe Mill Children’s Book Festival is about making books, stories and authors accessible to as many children as possible.
The National Year of Reading is a national campaign from the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, encouraging people of all ages to rediscover reading for pleasure and “Go All In” on the things they already love through reading.
At Brimscombe Mill, we want to bring that national ambition to life locally.
We know that not every family can travel to big festivals or pay high ticket prices to see national authors. That is why we are bringing brilliant authors and illustrators to Brimscombe Mill, so children in Stroud, Brimscombe, Chalford, Nailsworth, Cirencester and the surrounding area can experience the magic of a book festival close to home.
We are also working with schools, charities and community partners to get free and subsidised tickets into the hands of children who would not ordinarily be able to access author events, workshops or literary festivals.
Because stories should belong to every child.
What’s on at Brimscombe Mill Children’s Book Festival?
The festival will include a mix of booked events and drop-in activities, making it easy for families to plan their day in a way that works for them.
Expect:
Interactive children’s author shows
Illustrator draw-alongs
Creative writing and story-making activities
Craft workshops
Book signings
A children’s book stall
A second-hand book area
A book swap
A story scavenger hunt
Food and drinks from The Long Table
Time to play, browse and explore the Mill
The main family day on Saturday is ideal for children aged 4–8, with activities that will also appeal to younger siblings and older children. Friday evening will include activity for older children and teens.
Perfect for curious, creative 7+
Alex T Smith, author of Claude and The Mystery at Odd-Doings House
Perfect for age 4-8 animal lovers
If your child loves books, this festival is for them.
If they love drawing, making, funny stories, characters, adventures or collecting little treasures, this festival is for them too.
And if they do not think of themselves as a reader yet, this might be the perfect low-pressure way to spark something new.
The author events are designed to be interactive and child-friendly. These are not formal adult-style literary talks. They are story-filled, visual, lively sessions created for children, with plenty happening around the building if your child needs to move, play, eat or reset.
Make a day of it at Brimscombe Mill
One of the things that makes this children’s book festival different is that it is happening inside Brimscombe Mill: a family-friendly community hub with food, play, shops, workshops and social enterprises all under one roof.
Book an author show, then make a day of it.
Families can enjoy lunch at The Long Table, where you choose what you pay. Children can visit the play area, take part in creative activities, browse books, follow the scavenger hunt, pop into Kids Stuff for low-cost children’s books and toys, or simply enjoy being together in a relaxed space.
There will be things to book, things to drop into, and plenty of reasons to stay.
Free and paid tickets available
We want this festival to be accessible to as many families as possible.
Some events will need to be booked in advance because the Sanctuary Space has limited seats. There will be both paid and free ticket options available, so families can choose the ticket that works for them.
Free tickets are there for families who need them. Everyone gets the same seat, the same welcome and the same experience.
If you can pay for your ticket, your support helps make the festival possible. If a free ticket makes it possible for your family to come, please choose one.
Why book now?
The Sanctuary Space has limited capacity, and booked author events are expected to be popular.
Booking early means you can choose the best events for your child, plan your day around lunch, workshops and drop-in activities, and make the most of everything happening across the Mill.
Whether your child is already a bookworm or just needs the right story to spark their imagination, this is a joyful, affordable and local way to bring books to life.
Book your tickets
Brimscombe Mill Children’s Book Festival takes place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October at Brimscombe Mill, near Stroud.
Bring your children for stories, drawing, making, book swaps, food, play and a book festival experience that feels relaxed, welcoming and for everyone.
Book your author show tickets now and make a day of it at Brimscombe Mill.