Morley
Summer Festival
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!
First event of the year
World Book Day returns for 2026
We are excited to announce that on Saturday 28th February we will be hosting our second World Book Day event. This will be a big party where we take over Derby Market Hall for a day filled with storytelling, authors, illustrators and books. We are busy selecting children's authors, illustrators and organisations from Derby and beyond to join us for the day.
Find out First
Events and workshops happening at our World Book Day Party
SIGN UP TO OUR CHILDREN'S & FAMILIES NEWSLETTER HERE SIGN UP TO OUR CHILDREN'S & FAMILIES NEWSLETTER HERENEW 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.