CBBF UK 2026
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Join us at Dalston CLR James Library for a joyful celebration of Black children’s literature, creativity, culture and community.
About CBBF UK 2026
CBBF UK 2026 is the next chapter of the Children’s Black Book Fair UK, a joyful celebration of Black children’s literature, creativity, culture and community.
Taking place on Saturday, 22 August 2026, the event will bring together children, families, young readers, authors, publishers, illustrators, poets, storytellers, sponsors and community partners at Dalston CLR James Library in London.
The day will include an official opening by internationally acclaimed Dub Poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, a red carpet moment with YouTube presenter Raiyah, creative workshops, storytelling, author moments, family activities, arts and crafts, face painting, goodie bags, food, photo and video stops, and a celebration of stories where children can see themselves, hear themselves and read themselves into the future.
Event Details
Official details for CBBF UK 2026.
Date & Time
Saturday, 22 August 2026
12PM – 4PM
Schedule
Official opening, red carpet, workshops, storytelling, activities and community moments throughout the day.
Venue
Dalston CLR James Library
24–30 Dalston Lane
London E8 3AZ
Sponsors & Supporting Charities
Free Face Painting & Creative Fun
Face painting is one of the joyful family activities at CBBF UK 2026, created to give children a fun, colourful and memorable experience during the fair.
More than just a creative activity, it helps bring the day to life with imagination, play and self-expression. Children can enjoy choosing their favourite designs, taking photos with family and friends, and feeling part of a happy space filled with books, stories, culture and community.
While families explore Black children’s books, meet authors, enjoy storytelling and take part in workshops, face painting adds another layer of excitement for younger visitors. It is a simple but special moment that helps make the fair feel welcoming, playful and unforgettable for every child who attends.
Getting Here & Accessibility
Visitors can reach Dalston CLR James Library by buses 38, 56, 242 and 277
London Overground through Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland.
The library has wheelchair access, a lift to the first and second floors, toilets with disabled access and nearby parking for Blue Badge holders.
Get Free Tickets
Admission to CBBF UK 2026 is free.
Reserve your free ticket through the official Eventbrite page and join families, young readers, authors and community partners for a joyful celebration of Black children’s literature.
Have a Stall
Stall opportunities will be available for young authors, children’s book authors and young entrepreneurs under 25.
More information about the stall categories, charity donations and application links will be added once confirmed.
Join CBBF UK 2026
Reserve your place or register your interest to be part of the next Children’s Black Book Fair UK.
Discover New Books
Explore stories that celebrate Black children, families, culture, imagination and identity.
Creative Family Activities
Enjoy creative moments, activities and experiences designed for children and families.
Meet Authors & Publishers
Connect with writers, publishers and storytellers bringing powerful children’s books to life.
Young Readers & Future Voices
Celebrate young readers, emerging voices and the next generation growing through stories and creativity.
Book Stalls & Exhibitors
Discover books, publishers, authors and creative exhibitors sharing stories with families and young readers.
Community Moments
Be part of a joyful gathering of families, schools, authors, partners and community voices.
What You’ll Experience
A day of books, workshops, storytelling, creativity and community for children, families, authors and partners.
CBBF UK 2026 brings the spirit of Black children’s literature to life through real experiences, meaningful stories and joyful community moments.
From discovering new books to meeting authors, joining creative activities and connecting with families, schools and cultural partners, every part of the event is designed to help children feel seen, heard and celebrated.
Confirmed Highlights
A first look at some of the confirmed moments planned for CBBF UK 2026.
- Official opening with internationally acclaimed Dub Poet Linton Kwesi Johnson
- Red Carpet with YouTube presenter Raiyah
- Rhythm & Rhyme Workshop with Michael De Souza, creator of Rastamouse
- Black Books Come Alive! — Crayven the Nyamming Jancro with Caribbean food tasting
- Black Books Alive — Zac & Tia and the Secret Time Machine interactive activity
- The Huntley Corner — authors, Black British history and tribute to Eric Huntley
- Storyteller Marathon — Under 7s space, fathers and men reading space, and stories about culture and identity
- Free arts and crafts, face painting, goodie bags, food, photo and video stops
The official opening of CBBF UK 2026 will be led by internationally acclaimed Dub Poet Linton Kwesi Johnson.
Linton Kwesi Johnson
Support CBBF UK 2026 and help create a joyful cultural space for children, families and stories.
Sponsors & Supporting Charities
CBBF UK 2026 is open to sponsors and community partners who believe in the power of representation, creativity, literacy and cultural celebration.
Sponsorship helps us grow the event, welcome more families, support young voices and create meaningful experiences for children and communities across the UK.
TruLittle Hero Awards
Celebrating children who have overcome adversity and inspired others through courage, resilience and hope.
MAA MA’AT Cultural Centre
Promoting cultural awareness, personal development and community wellbeing through education, heritage and community support.
Change in Youth
A team of mentors and youth leaders who empower young people from underrepresented communities to become leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers about CBBF UK 2026, tickets, stalls, sponsors and event updates.
The Children’s Black Book Fair UK is a joyful cultural event celebrating Black children’s literature, creativity, representation and community across the UK.
CBBF UK 2026 is for everyone: children, families, young readers, authors, publishers, schools, educators, sponsors, charities and community partners.
Authors, publishers, creatives, businesses and organisations interested in having a stall can register their interest mailto:hello@litstarsgroup.com or contact the CBBF UK team.
Colocar o link do eventbrite no texto sublinhado e Substituir a resposta por: You can get free tickets through Eventbrite page. Reserve your place.
CBBF UK 2026 will take place at Dalston CLR James Library, located at 24-30 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AZ.
Organisations interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities can contact the CBBF UK team here.
Yes. CBBF UK 2026 is designed to include books, storytelling, family activities, author moments and creative experiences for children and families.
Yes. Dalston CLR James Library has wheelchair access, a lift to the first and second floors, toilets with disabled access and nearby parking for Blue Badge holders.
Celebrating Black children’s literature, creativity, culture and community across the UK.
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Contact and adress
- hello@litstarsgroup.com
- 074 29481305
- Dalston CLR James Library 24–30 Dalston Lane London E8 3AZ