Every summer term BLF’s Education Programme offers a week of eye-opening talks, workshops, and interactive experiences. These events promote curiosity and support developing students into well-rounded and open-minded individuals. Each student ticket is worth £25, but BLF is pleased to offer attendance for free to non-fee-paying schools.
Our Education Programme is bigger and better than ever, offering an opportunity for students to engage with amazing, life-changing literature in all forms from poetry to big ideas. Our Primary 2026 programme will run from Wednesday 24 June to Friday 3 July 2026. Our themes include Ancient Egypt, Shakespeare, Under the Sea, Performance Poetry, Myths, Legends and Magical Creatures and more!
Themed days run from 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break. All our Primary events are held at the University of Bradford.
Book now: Education Programme 2026Book on to our 2026 programme
Myths, Legends and Magical Creatures
Wednesday 24 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English and PSHE
Years 3 and 4
Step into a world where magic, mystery, and imagination intertwine. Open the door to myths and legends, fairy tales and fables from across the globe. Shining a light on stories communities have told for centuries to explain the unexplainable.
Students will encounter dragons, tricksters, heroes, and gods. Discover how traditional stories have been retold across time. Be inspired to twist a classic myth or dream up their own legendary beings, exploring how tales reflect the hopes, fears, and values of their cultures. Myths, legends, and fairy tales carry timeless lessons, cultural values, and endless inspiration.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Adventures in Ancient Egypt
Thursday 25 June 2026
Key Stage 2 History, English and Art
Years 4, 5 and 6
Few civilisations capture the imagination quite like Ancient Egypt. Students will have the chance to step back thousands of years to explore the extraordinary culture and legacy. From the lifeblood of the River Nile to the Rosetta Stone that unlocked the secrets of an ancient language, students will uncover the many layers of this remarkable civilisation.
Encounter the world of gods, temples and pharaohs, discover how Egyptians used rituals, amulets and magic spells in daily life, and glimpse the power of Cleopatra at the end of the age of the pharaohs. With storytelling, exploration and the chance to write in hieroglyphs, Ancient Egypt comes vividly to life, inspiring awe and curiosity.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
A Journey Through Time
Friday 26 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English, History and Geography
Years 3 and 4
Travel through centuries in a day that brings the past vividly to life. Students begin in the Roman era, discovering the surprising world of communal baths, ingenious toilets, and everyday life that will have them laughing and learning in equal measure. They’ll also meet a Viking and discover how these fearless sailors and traders built strong wooden ships, explored distant shores, and left their mark across Europe.
The journey continues into the splendour of the Islamic Golden Age, where the dazzling court of Caliph Harun al Rashid opens a window onto Baghdad as the world’s greatest city of ideas, invention, and culture.
With storytelling, exploration, and hands-on discovery, the day reveals how diverse civilisations shaped the world we live in today – sparking curiosity, laughter, and awe at every turn.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
The Universe and You
Monday 29 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English, Science and PSHE
Years 5 and 6
The vast expanse of the universe holds endless mysteries unlocking new corners of the cosmos. This day offers students the chance to journey beyond Earth, gaining a clear introduction to the cosmos – exploring the solar system, galaxies, and the constellations that have inspired myths for centuries.
Along the way, they’ll put their questions to an astronomer and discover how today’s discoveries shape the future of space exploration. With a mix of science, storytelling, and reflection, students will see how the universe sparks curiosity, STEM ambitions, and a deeper sense of their own unique place in the cosmos.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Under the Sea
Tuesday 30 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English, Science and PSHE
Years 3 and 4
Students will travel to the depths of the Challenger Deep, uncovering the wonders of the ocean’s most extreme environments. They will also encounter astonishing creatures, from dolphins to the highly intelligent octopus, whose problem-solving skills continue to astonish scientists. Combining scientific discovery with environmental awareness, the day fosters curiosity, responsibility, and a deeper sense of connection to the natural world.
Beneath the waves lies a hidden world of mystery, beauty, and pressing challenges. Dive into the oceans, exploring extraordinary ecosystems and discovering the ways people are working to protect them. Sessions highlight the scale of ocean pollution and showcase the work being done to protect marine life and preserve our blue planet.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Performance Poetry
Thursday 2 July 2026
Key Stage 2 English and Spoken Language
Years 5 and 6
Step into the vibrant world of poetry, where rhythm, rhyme and imagination take centre stage. Pupils will encounter a line-up of poets with very different voices, from rap and spoken word to playful rhyme and lyrical storytelling.
Explore how poems can grow from everyday moments, showing that inspiration is often found close to home. Students will learn techniques for choosing words, shaping lines and building rhythm. Across the day, poets will also share how they craft their own work, giving pupils a glimpse into the choices and ideas that bring a poem to life. It’s an engaging, interactive experience to spark creativity and ignite a lasting love of words.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Introducing Shakespeare
Friday 3 July 2026
Key Stage 2 English, Spoken Language, Drama and History
Years 5 and 6
An engaging introduction to Shakespeare and the world in which he lived. Pupils will step into Elizabethan England to discover the bustle of London, the excitement of the Globe Theatre, and the backdrop against which Shakespeare wrote his plays.
From clapping out the beats of iambic pentameter to exploring how Shakespeare used rhythm, imagery and rhyme, language comes alive in ways that show why his words remain fresh and relatable. Alongside encounters with some of his most iconic scenes and characters, the day offers an inspiring first experience of the Bard and his enduring legacy.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Additional Information
Cancellation Policy and Incurred Fees
We are pleased to offer our events free of charge to non-fee-paying schools and home educators across the North. However, organising these events incurs significant costs. If you need to amend or cancel your booking, please inform us as early as possible, in order to offer the place to other students.
Cancellations can be made up to 2 months after your booking, up until 2 March 2026. After this date, all cancellations will incur a charge of £10 per pupil per event. Please note, each student ticket is worth £25, but BLF will reduce this to £10 per ticket for cancellations. We understand that exceptional circumstances may arise and are happy to work with you to find a suitable solution.
Event Locations and Transport
Key Stage 2 (Primary) events will be held at the University of Bradford.
Free parking for coaches and cars is available at the University of Bradford. A map will be included in the visitor pack sent before the event.
Please note, schools are responsible for arranging their own transport. Please confirm transport arrangements and availability before booking your places.
Event Schedule
Themed days run from 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Booking Information
You may bring as many students as you’d like, whether it’s a class or an entire year group. You can also bring students on multiple days. By booking, you are committing to a full event day (four sessions), from 10:00 – 14:15. To avoid wasted spaces, we ask that you only book tickets you are confident will be used.
Tickets are required for all attendees (students and staff). A Lead Teacher ticket is needed for each booking, which includes your school’s details. Additional staff should be booked using Additional Staff tickets.
No tickets or QR codes are needed on the day. At registration, simply provide your school name and event details to check in.
To ensure a smooth booking process, please obtain senior leadership approval and confirm transport arrangements before booking your places. This helps avoid late cancellations due to unavailable transport, unexpected costs, or staffing issues. By taking these steps in advance, you can help us prevent administrative challenges and reduce wasted tickets. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Visitor Pack
After your booking is confirmed, we will send a visitor pack with practical details, including parking and risk assessment information. A detailed itinerary, including the day’s events and participating artists, will be sent closer to the event date.
Lunch Arrangements
Students should bring a packed lunch, as no food is available for purchase on-site. Lunch breaks will be held in outdoor spaces near the venues. In case of severe weather, alternative arrangements will be made.
An event I want to book is sold out – can I join a waiting list?
Yes, if an event is sold out you will see the option to join a waiting list. For our Primary Key Stage 2 events, if we receive a cancellation suitable for the size of your school group we will be in touch to confirm your booking. Adding your details to the waiting list gives our team an estimate of interest levels and additional numbers required.
First Aid Provision
A first aider will be available at all event sites throughout the day.
Photography and Videography
We request that all parents and guardians are informed that photographs and video will be taken.
If parents/guardians do not wish for their child to be photographed or recorded then these students will be identified with a yellow lanyard – this enables our team to ensure that they are excluded from event recordings.
These will be provided by Bradford Literature Festival, and school staff are responsible for distributing these lanyards and ensuring they are visible at all times.
Access Requirements and Seating Information
If any of your students have specific access needs (e.g., sensory processing, physical accommodations, visual or hearing support), please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate resources. To discuss access needs, contact us at [email protected].
Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with school groups seated together. If a student needs a break, quiet spaces are available. Students may take time out as needed, but must be supervised by a staff member.
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