Family Festival: Once Upon A Time

Make, move, sign and explore through fun and play in our Family Festival!

Once upon a time the British Library gathered together inspiring creatives; timeless stories of wonder; and some library magic to build an unforgettable day of fun.

You’re invited to the first family festival of 2026, where we’re getting reading for our upcoming family friendly Fairy Tales exhibition.

Join inspiring authors Michael Rosen and World Book Day® 2026 author A. F. Steadman as they share stories, unveil inspirations and take your questions.

Then explore our wonderful festival. The Jolly Postman needs your help to deliver the mail, while Rosie Tells Tales is looking for magical storytellers to bake a gingerbread flavoured fairy tale. Author Gareth P. Jones is performing his fun filled interactive mini musicals Rabunzel and CinderGorilla, and Wee Movers’ dancers need bold children to move into a bear house with cheeky Goldilocks.

Older children can design fantastical creatures with illustrators Thiago de Moraes and Mina Ikemoto and join fashion illustrator Elyse Blackshaw to reimagine fairy tale characters. Dancers from Akram Khan Company explore storytelling through dance; while musician Aga Serugo Lugo challenges us to experiment with our voices and words as we re-write opera.

Then create and build with artists Abigail Hunt and Sion Ap Tomas, before joining Baby Broadway’s West End Singers for a magical family concert.

Discover magical stories, encounter fantastical creatures and embark on your own creative quest as we play with Fairy Tales.

Please book one ticket for each member of your group.

This event will be interpreted with British Sign Language and there is a sensory space provided for those who require it. If you have any questions about access support, please contact us on familylearning@bl.uk