Literary icon to visit Blackburn

Much-loved author and poet Michael Rosen is set to headline Blackburn with Darwen’s Children’s and Young People’s Literature Festival in June.

He wrote the classic ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

From 2007 to 2009, he also served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate and campaigned to encourage more children to enjoy books and storytelling.

Mr Rosen joins a packed line-up for the 2026 festival – the ninth to be hosted in the borough – with free talks and activities taking place at libraries and schools right across the area.

The event was founded by Blackburn author Christina Gabbitas, patron of the Blackburn with Darwen Library Service.

Every year she works closely with the council’s library team, including a host of volunteers, on the festival, which starts on June 8 and runs until June 20.

Ms Gabbitas said: “With this being the National Year of Reading, I’m fully committed to making it a fantastic event!

“This year’s line-up is outstanding, featuring the legendary poet and author Michael Rosen and Jocelyn Stephenson, a BAFTA-winning British-American writer and producer of children’s shows such as Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.

“We also want to shout about success stories from our own borough and, this year, have authors attending secondary schools across Blackburn and Darwen too.”

In time for the festival, the popular Children’s Library at Blackburn Central Library in Town Hall Street has been given an impressive makeover.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Cllr Phil Riley, said: “The festival is always incredibly popular with our children, parents and schools, and we’re delighted that it will be back in June.

“Encouraging children to develop a love of reading brings a lifetime of fun and learning, and this year is even more special as it’s the National Year of Reading.

“The council has been a big supporter of the festival since it started and has always wanted it to continue to grow.

“I’m sure it will be a great success, as previous festivals have been, and I look forward to attending.”

The festival will include five successful and award-winning artists from the borough – Ms Gabbitas, Saira Shah, Iqbal Hussain, Hafiza Issa and illustrator Reyhana Ismail.

In addition, authors Sarah Surgey, Ben Davis, Donavan Christopher, Richard O’Neill, Oliver Sykes, Adisa, Dom Conlon, Dommy B and Ursula Hurst will all take part, alongside Angus Baskerville, star of Autism’s Got Talent, who will be performing magic in the Hornby Theatre on Saturday June 20.