The Friends of Clifton Centre and Library are pleased to again present the annual Clifton Litfest.

This November, Clifton LitFest returns for its seventh year, as the Friends of Clifton Centre and Library (FoCCaL) once again bring a rich programme of ideas, voices and stories to the heart of the city from 13th - 15th November 2026

Now a distinctive fixture on the UK’s literary calendar, the festival is known for its thoughtful curation and welcoming atmosphere. For three days, Clifton Village becomes a meeting point for readers, writers and thinkers. Spanning politics, history, memoir, nature and more, the programme offers fresh perspectives, lively conversation and moments of reflection, all shaped by a shared belief in the power of stories.

THANK TO OUR PATRON

Thank you so much to renowned broadcaster, author and anatomist Dr Alice Roberts who continues as Patron of Clifton LitFest. A passionate advocate for storytelling, science and the power of books to connect and inspire, her support is important to the community and hugely valued by the committee as we plan another exciting year.

OUR INAUGURAL CHILDREN'S LITFEST - FULL PROGRAMME NOW RELEASED
Download brochure here
Children’s LitFest launches on 11th - 12th July across Clifton venues.

Delivered in collaboration with Waterstones, Clifton BID and FoCCaL, it will feature a series of engaging events for younger audiences, with storytelling, workshops and creative sessions, the Children’s LitFest is designed to spark imagination and build confidence, opening the door to a lifelong enjoyment of books.

Among the headline attractions will be Bristol’s much-loved mermaid performer Ruby Rockpool, who will be making a splash across the festival weekend with magical appearances guaranteed to delight young audiences.

The programme will also include a series of bilingual “Speak in Tongues” storytimes, where children can hear classic stories read in both English and a second language, including Italian, Mandarin, Spanish and French, helping young audiences discover new words and cultures in a fun and interactive way.

Award-winning Bristol author, illustrator and animator Mikey Please will appear on Sunday with a series of live events inspired by his bestselling picture books The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods and The Cave Downwind of the Cafe. Families will be able to enjoy illustrated storytelling sessions and musical draw-along workshops where children can learn to sketch beloved characters René and Glumfoot alongside cosy café soundscapes.

The packed programme will also feature author events and creative workshops from a range of much-loved children’s writers and illustrators, including fantasy author Ash Bond, illustrator Yasmeen Ismail, author and environmental storyteller Martin Kiszko, poet and performer Tom Bonson, illustrator Hannah Rose and interactive sessions from The Bristol Crocodile.

Alongside the literary programme, the festival will include illustration workshops, live storytelling, family activities and face painting across Clifton and Pokémon card swap sessions designed to appeal to older children and teenagers.
Book tickets here; https://www.waterstones.com/events/search/shop/waterstones-clifton/page/1