Big Story Bash brings star authors, poets and family fun to Wirral
A poet whose work has been endorsed by Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard and a BAFTA-winning writer are among those heading to Wirral for a free family event packed with live performances, creative workshops and comic-making activities.
Wirral Libraries and the Floral Pavilion are hosting The Big Story Bash at the New Brighton theatre on Saturday 7 November 2026, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Held as part of celebrations marking the end of the National Year of Reading, the event will bring together authors, illustrators and performers for a day full of live entertainment, creative workshops and hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
Families can enjoy illustrator sessions, comic-making workshops, live performances, character meet-and-greets and face painting throughout the day.
Joseph Roberts will appear at the event ahead of the release of Built Different, his collection of poems celebrating Liverpool FC. The official Liverpool FC publication features a foreword from former Anfield captain Steven Gerrard.
Meanwhile, acclaimed author Frank Cottrell-Boyce - who co-wrote the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics and won a BAFTA for helping create the famous comedy sketch featuring Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - will hold a talk on the day.
Other guests include bestselling author-illustrator Kate Pankhurst, creator of the hugely popular Fantastically Great Women series, New York Times bestselling children's illustrator Claire Powell and The Beano cartoonist and writer Marc Jackson.
There will also be performances for children and adults hosted by KnottedHawk Productions with their new rhyming story show Quest for Planet P and entertainment provided by Wish Upon a Party.
Wirral Libraries have celebrated the National Year of Reading brilliantly and The Big Story Bash will be a wonderful way to round it off.
We want children and young people across Wirral to develop a love of reading, storytelling and creativity, and events like this can play a huge part in inspiring that.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether they are an avid reader, an aspiring illustrator or simply looking for a fun family day out.
The range of activities on offer is fantastic and I'm sure it will be an excellent event for all who attend.
Entry to The Big Story Bash is free, although booking is required for some workshops and activities with the likes of Joseph Roberts and Kate Pankhurst, as well as a talk from Frank Cotterill-Boyce. They can be made by clicking here.
