OUT OF MANY PEOPLE REVEALS LIKKLE LIT FEST LINE UP
Out of Many People is delighted to announce the lineup of writers and illustrators set for LIKKLE LIT FEST, our first festival of Black literature for children.
The day-long takeover of the historic Leeds Central Library takes place on Saturday 14th February 2026 from 10.30am – 4.00pm.
Susan Pitter, Out of Many People co-founder, said: “We’re delighted to introduce the first festival of Black literature on such a large scale for children and young adult readers in Yorkshire.
“This is all about our characters, history and stories, told by Black writers, brought to life by Black illustrators, and to be enjoyed by all readers.”
Dawn Cameron, fellow Out of Many People founder, said: “With 2026 the National Year of Reading, what better way to celebrate the joy of storytelling than with a festival like Likkle Lit.
“A great way to tackle the decline in young people reading books is to tell stories and highlight characters that all children can relate to, including Black British children. That’s exactly what Likkle Lit Fest does.”
The Library will be abuzz with a host of brilliant writers, illustrators and artists for Likkle Lit Fest, which also kicks off Leeds Storytelling Festival.
We have curated the lineup with children from tots to teens, young adult readers and families in mind;
Adored So Much author Trish Cooke and illustrator Ken Wilson Max’s story time and live character painting from their collaboration Catch! will be a hit with pre-school tots aged 3+. Celebrated writer and Black British Book Festival founder Selina Brown’s reading of My Rice is Best, shares her laugh-out-loud story of food, cultural identity and friendship with 3-7 year olds.
Award winning illustrator, author and character designer Dapo Adeola brings two interactive workshops to Likkle Lit Fest – a storytime and draw-along for ages 5-7 based on his illustrations in picture books including the 2019 classic Look Up! by Nathan Bryon and a session for 11-15 year olds on drawing superheroes, action figures and anime style.
Fellow illustrator Salomey Doku’s captivating story and craft workshops capturing her illustrations in Sir Lenny Henry’s Black boy-joy-filled Tyrone picture books will enthral 4-8 year olds.
Inspired by her acclaimed Brielle & Bear modern day romance and friendship series, Salomey will also guide teens and young adults to create their own graphic novel.
All the family will enjoy The Museum Of Epic Fails Game Show – acclaimed writer, comedian and podcaster Athena Kugblenu’s raucous, interactive gameshow stuffed with lessons on critical thought, decolonised history and jokes inspired by her hit book History’s Most Epic Fails.
Join Ashley Thorpe’s fascinating workshop for budding writers and fans of Percy Jackson ages 9-13. Hear what inspired him to write Spirit Warriors – an epic Caribbean fantasy of ancient magic and heroes in a battle between the living and the dead. A chance to quiz Ashley on what it takes to become a writer too.
Reading Djembe, his book about a boy who overcomes fear and bullying, Fabian Thomas leads a lively dub poetry workshop with drumming. Children aged 6-12 craft and record their own Jamaican-style dub poetry verse in the Library’s @Studio12 recording booth.
As well the writer lineup and book signings, Likkle Lit Fest will also include a family-friendly Black Artisan Marketplace with arts, crafts and books stalls curated by Ebony Milestone, intergenerational community storytellers, panel conversations and a host of drop-in activities.
The National Poetry Centre Rubbish Words invites everyone to create beautiful poetry collages from discarded print materials. And to top it all, visit the British Library Anansi Corner dedicated to the legendary African Caribbean trickster spider with a special Anansi film, creepy-crawly themed crafting and the folktales, music and performance of Bredda Ansell’s Jamboree.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MORE LIKKLE LIT FEST WRITER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND TICKETS RELEASE DATE COMING SOON!
Tickets will be free or have a small charge.
Likkle Lit Fest is a Rooted event made possible by Arts Council England, in partnership with Leeds Libraries and our generous supporters Book Trust, British Library, Howard Assembly Room and National Poetry Centre.