Welcome to the Stepping Into Stories Kids' Lit Fest 2026!

An outstanding children's literary festival, right at the heart of South East London. Join us in Herne Hill and online for our seventh festival of children’s poetry, performance and storytelling, from 3 - 8 Feb 2026. Meet leading lights from the world of children’s literature and publishing to share, create and celebrate stories in all their wonderful forms. Confirmed names for 2026 include:

Ross Montgomery, Alex Falase-Koya, Mariesa Dulak, Gareth P Jones, Jane Porter, Phoenix Comics creators and many, many more…

“A lovely experience for me as an author - friendly, local and inclusive”

Patrice Lawrence, MBE, winner of the Waterstones Prize for Older Children's Fiction & Bookseller YA Prize

“Such an important event and generous” - audience participant

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School Events

A week of workshops and performances by award winning authors and illustrators, for school children of all ages. Taking place in schools, at Station Hall and virtually.

SCHOOLS

Public Events

Workshops, talks and events with figureheads from the world of children’s books, taking place across South East London and online. Perfect for children of all ages, and grown ups interested in book creation.

PUBLIC PROGRAMME

Competition

We can’t wait to receive your creations! The competition theme for 2026 is ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ and the deadline is 24th January 2026. For more information and to enter your story,

COMPETITION

Stepping into
Story-Time

Enjoy ten minutes a day listening to a special storytime with some of your favourite authors! Story readings will be posted daily on the website during festival week - Perfect for little ones aged 4+

STORY-TIME