July 12, 2025
Southgate, Enfield
A Magical Day of Books, Theatre, and Fun!
Get ready for a brand-new, action-packed event coming this summer! The Southgate Children’s Literature Festival is set to be an exciting addition to the borough’s social calendar, bringing families, schools, and book lovers together for a day of storytelling, theatre, and creativity. Taking place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, this festival will put Southgate on the literary map—and if all goes well, it could become an annual celebration!
With 10 local schools already involved, venues along Chase Side, N14 buzzing with activity, and support from local MP Bambos Charalambous, the festival promises to be a huge success. Across five fantastic venues—including St. Andrew’s Church, the Halo Theatre, and the Southgate Club—there will be workshops, live performances, and special guests bringing stories to life for children aged 12 and under.
At the Southgate Children’s Literature Festival, our vision is to inspire a lifelong love of books, creativity, and learning in children from all backgrounds.
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to connect with the trans-formative power of stories, regardless of their circumstances. Through our festival, we aim to foster a love of reading, nurture creativity, and bring families, schools, and the community together in a shared celebration of literature and imagination.
We envision a world where books are a gateway to curiosity, confidence, and connection, and where Southgate becomes a hub for innovative and inclusive literary events that leave a lasting impact on young minds.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
From bestselling authors to beloved illustrators, the festival has an exciting mix of talent ready to inspire young readers. Kids will get the chance to meet authors like Tola Okogwu (author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun), Philip Kavvadias, and Anu Adebogun, who will be running storytelling sessions, book signings, and interactive workshops. Younger children will enjoy sessions with picture book creators like Mariesa Dulak, Kael Tudor, J.D. Okoro, Clare Helen Welsh, and Anuna Nina, making this a festival for all ages.
But that’s not all! CBBC personalities and a very special guest from the world of Harry Potter—actor Brian Wheeler, who played a goblin in Gringotts Bank—will also be in attendance for a meet-and-greet and Q&A session.
WHAT'S ON
Click the timetable for a PDF version.
about the festival
The Southgate Children’s Literature Festival is a celebration of stories, imagination, and creativity for children of all ages. Set in the heart of Southgate, London N14, the festival will take place on July 12, 2025, offering an exciting day packed with events that inspire a love of reading, writing, and illustration.
Our mission is to bring the joy of storytelling to life by connecting children with the talented authors, illustrators, and creators behind the books they love. Through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities, we aim to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and empower young minds to dream big.
The festival will include author readings and Q&A sessions, where children can meet their favorite writers and hear their stories come to life. Illustrator demonstrations will showcase the magic of bringing characters and scenes to the page. Creative writing and illustration workshops will encourage kids to explore their own storytelling potential, while crafts, games, and interactive activities will ensure fun for everyone throughout the day.
Whether your child is a budding writer, an aspiring artist, or simply loves a good story, the Southgate Children’s Literature Festival has something for everyone. We believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform, and we’re thrilled to create a space where young imaginations can flourish.
We are also proud to support and showcase the incredible talent of authors, illustrators performers and creators, ensuring every child can see themselves in the stories we share.
Join us for an unforgettable day filled with creativity, connection, and the celebration of stories that shape our lives and the world around us. The Southgate Children’s Literature Festival is more than just an event – it’s a community of book lovers coming together to inspire the next generation.
We can’t wait to welcome you on July 12, 2025, and share in the magic of storytelling!
contact us
Have a question, suggestion, or inquiry about the Southgate Children’s Literature Festival? We’d love to hear from you!
Whether you’re an author, illustrator, vendor, or a festival-goer, feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Email us at: info@southgatekidslitfest.org
Our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest in the festival – we can’t wait to connect with you!