Out of Many People has announced its first festival of Black literature for children and young adult readers in Yorkshire.

Likkle Lit Fest takes place on Saturday, February 14, at Leeds Central Library featuring interactive family-friendly workshops by beloved children’s authors and illustrators, a National Poetry Centre crafting session making poetry from recycled print, a Black artisan marketplace and intergenerational storytelling.

Among the well-known names taking part in the inaugural, all-day festival, are Leeds-based author-illustrator Salomey Doku, who has collaborated with Sir Lenny Henry on his Tyrone children’s picture book series as well as creating her own Brielle and Bear teen graphic novels; fantasy writer Ashley Thorpe, author of The Boy to Beat the Gods and Spirit Warriors; and Selina Brown, children’s author and founder of the Black British Book Festival.

Likkle Lit Fest is aimed at everyone from young children and families to teenagers.

Author of the much-loved children’s book So Much, Trish Cooke and illustrator Ken Wilson Max will host a special workshop bringing stories and characters to life from their collaboration Catch! (for pre-school children 3+).

Celebrated writer Selina Brown will read from her heartwarming picture book, My Rice is Best, a laugh-out-loud story of food, cultural identity and friendship (for 3–7-year-olds).

Award winning illustrator, author and character designer Dapo Adeola brings two interactive workshops to Likkle Lit Fest – a story time and draw-along for ages 5-7 based on his illustrations in picture books, and a session for 11–15-year-olds on drawing superheroes, action figures and anime-style characters.

Fellow illustrator Salomey Doku, who comes from Leeds, will run workshops focusing on her illustrations in Sir Lenny Henry’s Tyrone picture books (for 4–8-year-olds).

Inspired by her acclaimed Brielle & Bear story, all about modern day romance and friendship, Salomey will also give a masterclass on how to create a graphic novel, aimed at young adult readers.

Something for all the family is The Museum Of Epic Fails Game Show with acclaimed writer, comedian and podcaster Athena Kugblenu. Her raucous, interactive game show is stuffed with lessons on critical thought, decolonised history, jokes and historical blunders inspired by her hit book History’s Most Epic Fails.

Ashley Thorpe will discuss what inspired him to write Spirit Warriors – an epic Caribbean fantasy of ancient magic and heroes. Budding writers will also get the chance to quiz him on what it takes to become a writer. (For ages 9-13).

Reading from his book Djembe, about a boy who overcomes fear and bullying, fabian m thomas will also lead a lively dub poetry workshop with drumming, helping children record Jamaican-style dub poetry verses. (For children aged 6-12).

As well as writers, illustrators and book signings, Likkle Lit Fest will include a family-friendly Black Artisan Marketplace with arts, crafts and books stalls curated by Leeds brand Ebony Milestone, intergenerational community storytellers, panel conversations and a host of drop-in activities.

On top of all this, the National Poetry Centre Rubbish Words invites everyone to create beautiful poetry collages from discarded print materials, there’s the chance to visit the British Library Anansi Corner dedicated to the legendary African Caribbean trickster spider with a special Anansi film, and listen to the folktales, music and performance of Bredda Ansell’s Jamboree.

Likkle Lit Fest, in partnership with Leeds Libraries and kicking off the Leeds Storytelling Festival, is part of Rooted – a series of events showcasing Black storytelling – run by Leeds-based Out of Many People and made possible with Arts Council England funding.

The festival is free to attend with no need to book for the numerous drop-in activities, including the artisan marketplace, the National Poetry Centre-led class, and literature-themed crafting.

However, the writers and illustrators’ sessions, along with the Bredda Ansell Jamboree, are all affordable pay as you can ticketed events.

Susan Pitter, co-founder of Out of Many People CIC, said: “We are delighted to introduce the first festival of Black literature on such a large scale for children and young adult readers in Yorkshire.

“This is about our history, stories and characters, told by Black writers, brought to life by Black illustrators, and to be enjoyed by everyone.”

Dawn Cameron, fellow Out of Many People founder, said: “With 2026 the National Year of Reading, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the joy of storytelling than with a festival like this.

“We know the number of young people reading books is declining and the best way of tackling this is by telling stories and highlighting characters they can relate to – and that’s exactly what Likkle Lit Fest does.”

National Poetry Centre director Nick Barley said: "Reading for pleasure has a hugely positive impact on children's lives. That's why Likkle Lit Fest is such a brilliant initiative, because everyone should be able to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

“As part of the festival, Rubbish Words gives kids the chance to play with words; create poems of their own and tell their stories. It couldn't be easier to do, and it's loads of fun – so much so that grown-ups will want to get involved too."

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for libraries, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Out of Many People and playing our part in giving more local children and young readers the chance to experience the magic of literature, writing and storytelling.

“Reading is an absolute cornerstone of a child’s development, inspiring a unique curiosity and desire to find out more about the world around them which can last a lifetime.”

There will be more Likkle Lit Fest events and big-name announcements in the coming weeks.

Likkle Lit Fest – Leeds Central Library, Saturday, February 14. For more information and to book tickets visit Home - OUT OF MANY PEOPLE

Likkle Lit Fest is a Rooted event made possible by Arts Council England, in partnership with Leeds Libraries and our generous supporters the Book Trust, British Library and National Poetry Centre.