Oldham StoryFest is returning to Oldham Library on Saturday 11 July with a free day of author talks, illustration workshops and family activities designed to inspire a love of reading.
The festival runs from 11am until 3pm and will feature interactive sessions throughout the day. Children and families are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite literary characters or in their best festival outfits.
Featured authors and illustrators
This year's programme includes Carnegie-nominated author Ben Davis and former BookTrust Writer-in-Residence Rashmi Sirdeshpande. Holly Sterling, who was highly commended in the Macmillan Prize for Illustration, will also attend.
The festival will welcome award-winning poet Dommy B, who appeared in CBeebies' Rhyme Rocket, alongside popular poets and performers Liz Million and Paul Cookson. Critically acclaimed poet James Carter, who has visited more than 1,500 schools, is also part of the programme. Local author Deborah Bradbury will join the event.
Summer Reading Challenge launch
StoryFest will mark the launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge, delivered by Oldham Libraries in partnership with The Reading Agency. The 2026 theme is "Read to the Beat".
Children are invited to set their own reading goals, such as reading to a sibling or visiting their local library. Those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal to take back to school. Children can sign up during the challenge period from 11 July to 12 September at any library across the borough, as well as at Gallery Oldham.
The event is supported by sponsors Kajima and InfraRed Capital Partners. Additional free family activities will take place throughout the summer holidays at Oldham Library and Gallery Oldham.