The Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival is back for 2026, bringing a packed programme designed to inspire young minds across the city.
Running from Monday 20th April to Sunday 26th April, the festival invites children aged 3–12 to get involved in a week of hands-on workshops, interactive performances and creative activities across venues in the city centre.
This year’s line-up goes far beyond books, encouraging children to take part in everything from codebreaking adventures and space mission design to creating magical creatures, drawing alongside illustrators and inventing their own stories. Sessions like building cosmic jewellery with Cosmic Cadets and author Ryan Crawford, as well as activities with The Week Junior, are all designed to spark curiosity, teamwork and imagination.
A number of well-known authors are also taking part this year. Joseph Coelho will introduce Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter in an energetic and inspiring event, while Nicola Davies brings Whale Song, taking audiences on a journey beneath the waves to explore the beauty and mystery of humpback whales.
Creativity is at the heart of the festival, with opportunities to join live draw-alongs, imaginative writing workshops and confidence-building sessions. Highlights include Be Normal with Ged Adamson and Dare to be Brilliant with magician and author Mat Ricardo, both focused on self-expression and individuality.
There’s also plenty of space for discussion and big ideas, with interactive sessions encouraging children to ask questions, share opinions and think critically. From debating football’s greatest players to exploring how classic stories are reimagined through graphic novels, the festival blends learning with fun.
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said the festival shows how powerful storytelling can be when children are encouraged to take part, helping to build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of reading.
Weekday sessions will be available for schools, with public events taking place across the weekend.
For full details and tickets, head to: www.cardiffkidslitfest.com
