LIKKLE LIT FEST TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
Out of Many People is delighted to release tickets for LIKKLE LIT FEST, our first festival of Black literature for children in the North.
Tickets are now available for the day-long takeover of the historic Leeds Central Library on Saturday 14th February 2026 from 10.30am – 4.00pm.
The Library will be abuzz with a host of brilliant writers, illustrators and artists for Likkle Lit Fest, which also kicks off the city’s Leeds Storytelling Festival.
Susan Pitter, Out of Many People co-founder, said;
“Too many children and young people aren’t reading for pleasure or have limited access to books. Too many don’t get to see themselves or a true reflection of our diverse world in the books they do get to read. Likkle Lit Fest is helping to change that.”
LIKKLE LIT FEST TICKETED PROGRAMME
So that as many children and families as possible have an opportunity to take in the inspiring lineup, tickets for the author and illustrator workshops and sessions are on a pay-as-you-can basis.
Tickets are now available for the phenomenal lineup curated for children from tots to teens, young adults and families;
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 m thomas leads a lively dub poetry workshop with drumming and recording time in the Library’s @Studio12 recording booth for children aged 6-12.
Bredda Ansell’s Jamboree is set to be popular with traditional Caribbean Anansi folktales, music, dance and performance for all the family.
FREE PROGRAMME – NO BOOKING REQUIRED
As well as the ticketed sessions, Likkle Lit Fest also includes a programme of free and ticket-free activities and drop-in sessions to choose from with no booking required.
A family-friendly Black Artisan Marketplace with arts, crafts and books stalls, intergenerational community storytellers, panel conversations and a host of drop-in activities including The National Poetry Centre Rubbish Words poetry collage making drop-in and the British Library Anansi Corner dedicated to the legendary African Caribbean trickster spider.
Likkle Lit Fest takes place on Saturday 14 February 2026.
10:30am to 4:00pm Doors open at 10:00am
TO BOOK FOR LIKKLE LIT FEST TICKETED SESSIONS CLICK HERE
MORE DETAILS ON THE LIKKLE LIT FEST TICKET-FREE & FREE PROGRAMME COMING SOON.
Likkle Lit Fest is a Rooted event made possible by Arts Council England, in partnership with Leeds Libraries to launch Leeds Storytelling Festival and our generous supporters Book Trust, British Library, Howard Assembly Room, National Poetry Centre.