Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival 2025

Local schools in Blackburn and Darwen will be attending read aloud interactive sessions live from Darwen Library and Blackburn Central Library. More information about the authors involved can be found further down the page.

Tell Tale Twit

A Storytelling Show by Gav Cross

Blackburn Library, Saturday 14th June, 11 am – 12 pm and 2 – 3 pm

This event is part of the Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival, so FREE tickets for both shows are available from the library now or book online at https://spotonlancashire.co.uk/events/tell-tale-twit/

Family Friendly – 7+ Suggested…

Come join Gav Cross for more deep dives into the words we seem to know so well but we never really listened too. More nonsense, nastiness and roaring chaos as we turn our childhood tales upside down to find out what lies beneath!

Join Gav for laughter and surprises, in a storytelling show designed to make you laugh, think carefully and approach that children’s library with caution!

Nominated for ‘Best Kids Show’ at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2023.

Wrongsemble presents Three Little Vikings
Darwen Library Theatre, Saturday 21st June, 11 am – 12 pm and 2 – 3 pm
FREE tickets are available now from Darwen Library or online at https://spotonlancashire.co.uk/events/three-little-vikings/

The festival and initiative this year is being supported by Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Phil Riley, Actress Jenny Agutter who plays Sister Julienne in the popular series Call The Midwife, and Cynthia Johnston Lecturer in the History of the Book who Christina took inspiration from. Christina is inviting children and young people up the age of 16 to write poetry or prose about their favourite place or space in Blackburn or Darwen. A£200 Waterstones voucher for the Blackburn with Darwen school with the most entries, followed by £100 voucher for the individual winner and £50.00 for a runner up. The initiative is open until 25th August winners are to be judged by Councillor Phil Riley, Christina Gabbitas and Blackburn with Darwen Libraries.

Phil Riley commented. ““I want this festival to continue to grow. With all the digital distractions available in the modern world, it’s never been more important to introduce children to the wonders of reading and to harness the skills we have on our doorstep. The festival is clearly loved by the school children and teachers because it such high quality.  What’s really impressiveabout the Believe in Magic book is the strong focus on our rich local history, pride and spirit of people who live and work here.”

 This is ahead of Christina writing a sequel to the ‘Believe in Magic’ story in 2020, originally commissioned by Blackburn BID that saw Imtiaz and Peggy travel back in time on the magic Lambeth rope, that had accolades from Call The Midwife Actress and Patron of Children’s Literature Festivals charity Jenny Agutter OBE, who said, “Christina sent me a copy of the book whilst we were filming socially distanced at the time, I’m looking forward to the sequel. The Believe in Magic story is terrific, E Nesbit and Lewis Carroll with Narnia thrown in, it’s a wonderful way to have children discover the relevance of history. I’m sure the whole festival will be a huge success.