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Flash Fiction 2026

This years' competition is NOW OPEN

This year's theme is Hope and has been chosen by our event sponsors Derventio Education. Deadline for entries is by 10pm on Friday 13th February. Happy writing and good luck!

Flash Fiction

Can you write up to 50 words on the theme of 'Hope'?

Enter TOday Enter TOday

SATURDAY 28th Feb - 10am - 3pm

The Big Derby World Book Day Party 2026

We are excited to announce that on Saturday 28th February we will be hosting our second World Book Day event. Join us for a BIG party where we take over Derby Market Hall from 10am until 3pm for a day filled with storytelling, authors, illustrators and books. There will be a programme of free events plus craft activities throughout the day. For more details and to find out just how much book based fun we have crammed in to one day click here

WORLD BOOK DAY WORKSHOPS

Events and workshops happening at our World Book Day Party

WORKSHOP TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE WORKSHOP TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

NEW Shared Reading Online Group - starting on 21st January 2026!

A fortnightly online evening session via zoom. Upcoming sessions on Wednesdays at 7pm:

21st January / 4th February / 18th February

NEW for 2026

Shared Reading is a much-loved community programme run by Derby Book Festival. Our podcast hosted by two of our Shared Reading volunteers Ellie and Steve, celebrates the joy of shared reading with local voices and authors from across the East Midlands.

We’re currently looking for short pieces of writing and potential guests to feature in upcoming episodes. If you’re a writer with something to share, we’d love to hear from you. 

Shorter pieces work particularly well, as we read them aloud on the podcast and explore the thoughts and feelings they inspire in conversation. If your work is selected, you’ll be invited to join us as a guest to talk about it.

To be considered, please complete this form.

2025 Children's Book Appeal Update

Thank you for your generosity in donating books to this Autumn's Book Appeal. You have helped to donate over 5000 books to schools across the city centre.