Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) is excited to launch the 2026 Education Programme (Wednesday 24 June – Friday 10 July 2026); an amazing line-up of free events that bring curriculum topics to life for students across the North. Our popular series of events is now available to book for schools and home educators of Key Stage 2, 3 & 4 students, with themes from Ancient Egypt to Shakespeare, Gothic Literature to Myths, Legends and Magical Creatures.
BLF’s Education Programme delivers a vibrant week of talks, workshops, and live performances featuring writers, poets, illustrators, scientists, historians, journalists, and more. Many of these artists also appear in the main Bradford Literature Festival line-up, giving students the chance to experience award-winning local, national, and international artists.
“The hum of excitement from the kids as they wait for the next educational session is priceless” – Teacher, BLF 2025.
“This is the first year we’ve attended, as we’ve only just started homeschooling. The quality of the days have been outstanding to have this on our doorstep is such a privilege.” – Home Educator.
In 2025, BLF’s Education Programme engaged 31,695 children and young people through 65 live shows, with fantastic contributions from 35 acclaimed authors, poets, scientists and historians. 69 schools from across the North joined us for events on poetry, history, and civil rights, as well as our annual performance poetry, classic literature and Shakespeare days.
“The contact, presentation, engagement, information, [and] freedom of thinking are just a few points to mention. We are extremely grateful to BLF for making this possible for us.” – Home Educator.
The programme gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in curriculum topics in unique and interactive ways. Primary Key Stage 2 students will get the opportunity to create their own magical creatures, jump through time to meet Vikings and Egyptians, and speak to real-life astronomers and deep-sea divers. BLF also runs a dedicated Shakespeare Day for Primary school students, giving them an exciting introduction to The Bard, and preparing them for their Secondary school studies.
Key Stage 3 and 4 students could be designing their own alternative utopian worlds, writing powerful slam poetry about causes they care about, or rapping Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Primary Key Stage 2
This year Primary Key Stage 2 children can enjoy seven full-day events themed to Myths, Legends and Magical Creatures, Adventures in Ancient Egypt, A Journey Through Time, The Universe and You, Under the Sea, Performance Poetry and Introducing Shakespeare.
“BLF is essential for our school. We need to develop leadership, cultural capital, and inspire learners who would otherwise miss out on a wealth of amazing experiences.” – Teacher.
Find out more and book: Primary Education ProgrammeSecondary Key Stage 3 & 4
Secondary Key Stage 3 & 4 students have the opportunity to attend six thought-provoking events themed to Shaking Up Shakespeare, Classic Fiction Everyone Should Read, Dystopia & Utopia, The Gothic, Performance Poetry, and American Independence.
“Promoting a love of learning and reading is hugely important for our children […] In order for our children to learn and gain this love, they need to be engaged and have hands-on experiences.” – Teacher.
Find out more and book: Secondary Education ProgrammeBLF’s 2026 Education Programme runs from Wednesday 24 June to Friday 10 July. To find out more or join the Education Programme, visit our Education Programme page.