Likkle Lit Fest On The Road heads to Huddersfield: A Complete Guide for Families

It seems like something special is brewing over in West Yorkshire. After a storming success in Leeds last month, a unique children’s literature festival is packing its bags and heading down the road. The event, known as the Likkle Lit Fest, is all about celebrating Black literature for children, and it’s clear that families are loving it. Now, it's Huddersfield's turn to get in on the action with a special one-day event that promises to be packed with creativity, stories, and a whole lot of fun. On Saturday, March 21, the Likkle Lit Fest is setting up shop in Huddersfield, ready to inspire a new group of young readers and artists.

So, what’s actually happening in Huddersfield?

The ‘Likkle Lit Fest On The Road’ isn’t just about sitting quietly and listening to stories. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience designed to get children excited about books and art. The whole event is taking place in a pretty cool location, The Crypt at Huddersfield Parish Church, which adds a bit of mystery and excitement to the day. For this special festival stop, two fantastic sessions are planned, both of which were massive hits at the original festival in Leeds. It’s a brilliant opportunity for families to do something different and for children to see stories come to life in a way that’s completely engaging. The day is shaping up to be a memorable one for anyone with kids aged four and up.

First up is an award-winning illustrator and author who is making a big name for himself, Dapo Adeola. He’s running a session called ‘Draw Along With Dapo’, which is aimed at 5 to 7-year-olds. Anyone who has seen his work knows how brilliant his characters are. He’s the artist behind the pictures in books like Super Goat Girl. Imagine getting to learn how to draw superheroes and cool characters directly from the person who designed them. His drawing workshop is more than just a lesson; it’s an interactive story time where art and storytelling smash together. This was a standout part of the Leeds event, with families buzzing about it afterwards. Now, children in Huddersfield get to experience this creative masterclass for themselves.

Get ready for a jamboree

But the fun doesn’t stop with drawing. The Likkle Lit Fest is also bringing back the hugely popular Bredda Ansell’s Jamboree. This isn’t your average story session. It’s a full-on family experience led by the brilliant performer Ansell Broderick. This part of the event is all about diving deep into culture and tradition through pure fun. It’s a whirlwind of activity rooted in African Caribbean ancestry. Think of traditional ring games that get everyone moving, riddles that get brains ticking, and classic folk-dance moves. It's an amazing way to experience culture.

The centrepiece of this session is the storytelling, which features one of the most famous characters in folklore: Anansi the spider. Anansi is a trickster character who is known for his cleverness, and his stories have been passed down for generations. Ansell Broderick brings these tales to life in a way that’s captivating for children. And to top it all off, there’s drumming. The rhythm and energy of the drumming are infectious, making Bredda Ansell’s Jamboree a completely immersive experience. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to the power of oral storytelling and cultural heritage, all while having an absolute blast. This is where the magic of the festival really shines through.

A festival with a big heart

This whole event is organised by an arts and heritage group called Out of Many People. Their mission is pretty clear: they want to bring amazing Black literature to children and families across the North. It’s about more than just a fun day out; it’s about representation and inspiration. The director, Susan Pitter, feels passionately about making sure all children can see themselves in the books they read.

Susan Pitter said: “Out of Many People is committed to bringing inspirational Black literature in all its forms to children and families in the North, so we’re delighted to be working with Dapo and Ansell once again.”

She also pointed out how important this work is right now. “During a national reading crisis, it is vital that our work to engage children in reading is accessible, so we’re excited to partner with Hudawi Cultural Centre to bring Black storytelling for all families to Huddersfield.”

This partnership with the Hudawi Cultural Centre is a key part of bringing the Likkle Lit Fest to the town. Natalie Pinnock-Hamilton from the centre echoed the importance of working together.

“Collaboration across the region is critical to tackling the national reading emergency,” she added. “It’s great to be working with our Leeds-based friends Out of Many People to bring sessions to Huddersfield rooted in Black storytelling and talent that inspire children to read.”

The entire project is made possible with backing from Arts Council England, showing just how important this kind of cultural event is. It’s a proper community effort to get kids excited about literature.

Everything to know for the big day

So, for any families looking for an amazing day out, this is one for the calendar. The Likkle Lit Fest On The Road is all happening on one day in Huddersfield.

• What: Likkle Lit Fest On The Road

• Where: The Crypt at Huddersfield Parish Church, Byram Street, Huddersfield

• When: Saturday, March 21

• Time: 11:45am – 2:00pm

• Tickets: The event operates on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, making it accessible for everyone. Tickets can be booked online.

It's a fantastic chance for everyone to get involved in a brilliant children's literature festival. From the interactive 'Draw Along with Dapo' to the energetic 'Bredda Ansell's Jamboree', it’s an event designed to spark imagination and a love for stories.