Chichester Goes ‘All In’ for Reading in 2026.
National Year
of Reading
In 2026, Chichester will play a leading regional role in the Government’s National Year of Reading, delivering a year-long, city-wide programme that encourages people of all ages to reconnect with the joy, confidence and opportunity that reading brings.
Led by Children’s BookFest, in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre and Chichester BID, the campaign brings together existing cultural, educational and community activity into a joined-up programme supporting reading for pleasure, storytelling, literacy confidence and community connection.
Organisations across Chichester are invited to take part by weaving reading into what they already do - helping to make reading visible, accessible and celebrated throughout the district, and ensuring the National Year of Reading leaves a lasting local legacy.
Watch this space for more information or email GoAllIn@childrensbookfest.org to find out how you can get involved.
Chichester’s Year of Reading
Chichester Festival Theatre
One of the UK’s flagship theatres, Chichester Festival Theatre is renowned for its outstanding productions and world-class theatrical experiences.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
As a founding partner in this city-wide campaign, Chichester Festival Theatre will be exploring ways to strengthen children’s reading confidence - including supporting children who are increasingly reluctant to read aloud - and reinforcing the connection between books, scripts and performance across their learning, community and education programme.
Events and activities include:
The BFG - a magical new adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG will open at Chichester Festival Theatre this March.
The Walk of the Dandelion - on 6th June meet Daniel, an 8ft, ethereal puppet, as he gently roams from Chichester Cathedral Green along North Street to CFT. A symbol of resilience and hope, Daniel will be gifting dandelions – each with a message of positivity – offering heartfelt encounters and a magical experience for all ages.In partnership with Culture Spark.
The Theatre’s Festival Fridays programme (supporting Year 5 & 6 pupils who spend one school day each week at the Theatre) will collaborate with West Sussex County Council Libraries to create a short film in support of the National Year of Reading.
Parents with young children can enjoy new multisensory storytelling sessions led by professional Early Years Practitioner Heidi Pointet. Using drama, song and performance skills, children get to explore the world around them as stories come alive through voices, props and costume. Sessions will take place each Tuesday at 10.45am (45 minutes). Visit the website for dates and booking info.
Chichester BID
Chichester BID works in partnership with local businesses to enhance the city centre, supporting initiatives that boost footfall, culture, and community engagement.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
In partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester BID will be running a free family trail over the Easter holidays inspired by the latest production of The BFG. Families are invited to go on a journey around the city centre to find the dream jars and collect the words. Entries will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 theatre voucher and goodie bag while runners up will receive a Roald Dahl book, provided by Children’s BookFest.
They will be hosting free storytelling sessions at their outdoor performance space – The Canopy on Crane Street. Find more details here.
The city is also home to a wide range of book sellers and independent businesses supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading, the BID will be shining a spotlight on these throughout the year. Find more details here.
Chichester Library
Chichester Library on Tower Street is a welcoming community hub offering books, digital resources, and a wide programme of events and activities for all ages.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Check out the library’s National Year of Reading page here.
Throughout the year the library service will be highlighting our reading activities for all ages across West Sussex and ways for you to be involved.
What better way to start a new reading habit than by joining My Year of Reading our 2026 reading challenge which is suitable for individuals, reading groups and families taking part together. You’ll explore 12 themes, each one encouraging you to build small, meaningful reading moments into your routine and improving your wellbeing.
The library is also supporting CBF’s new venture for 2026 in secondary schools, BookFest YA! Look out for details of a writing competition and creative masterclass on their website.
Why not celebrate World Book Day at your local library? And of course there are also regular activities in the area, including Rhyme Times, Story Magic, a Home Delivery Service and Reading Groups. Find out more here.
Here is a link to their socials: Facebook, YouTube and Instagram
Here is a link to the February half term storytime and activity sessions.
Chichester Cinema
Chichester Cinema is a much-loved independent cinema at the heart of the city, championing film, learning, and community events.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Discover how Stitch Head by Guy Bass made the leap from the pages of a much-loved book to the big screen. This special outreach event, delivered in partnership with Children’s BookFest and Chichester Cinema, is designed for schools and home educators, with a public screening to follow at a later date.
The morning includes:
A talk from author Guy Bass, sharing the story behind Stitch Head
A screening of the film at Chichester Cinema
A free copy of the book for every child to take home
A book signing with Guy Bass on the day
This is a brilliant opportunity for young readers to explore storytelling, creativity, and the journey from book to film - all in one inspiring morning.
Pallant House
Pallant House is a leading UK museum that stimulates new ways of thinking about Modern British art.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Pallant House work with artists, illustrators and writers to explore the intersection of all three creative fields. They run workshops for children and teens in school holidays based on the classics of children’s literature such as Peter Pan, have guest speakers including acclaimed author Katie Hessel and boast a beautifully curated independent bookshop.
For the first time, in October 2026 they are also working with Children’s BookFest to provide a workshop for primary aged children using elements of story, illustration and imagination, more details to follow.
This partnership with CBF will grow over time, so look out for storytellers, workshops and extra magic around the gallery in the not too distant future.
Culture Spark Chichester is a cultural partnership bringing together organisations, artists, and communities to support, develop, and celebrate arts and culture across the city.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
OUR LIVING LIBRARY is a dialogue between local people about personal experiences, expertise, culture and adventures. Local people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to share their stories with story collectors who in turn will be their storytellers and relay their stories as part of an exciting community engagement event.
The Stories will be stored in a ‘book' which can be ‘borrowed’ at the OUR LIVING LIBRARY event at The Old Court House in The Assembly Rooms on Saturday 28th March, 10am – 1pm.
Culture Spark
The Novium Museum
The Novium Museum is Chichester’s award-winning museum, sharing the city’s rich history and heritage through engaging exhibitions, events, and learning programmes.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Step into the colourful world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant in a joyful exhibition celebrating one of the UK’s best-loved children’s book characters. Packed with colour, creativity, and playful activities, it’s perfect for families and young readers. There will be a programme of events to support this exciting exhibition.
Robin’s Nest Café, Baffins Lane
An independent coffee shop in the heart of Chichester. committed to serving excellent, ethically sourced specialty coffee and local, home-made produce.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Jam Café, South Street
Based in heart of Chichester, you will find Jam Café - a not-for-profit community cafe that runs an exciting programme of events and workshops for all ages.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Fishbourne Literary Festival
Dive into a world of stories and inspiration at Fishbourne Literary Festival is an annual event and 2026 will featuring an unmissable line-up of authors including Kate Mosse, Clare Chambers, Patrick Gale, Lissa Evans, Mike Gayle, Francis Spufford and Anna Mazzola.
How they are supporting Chichester’s Year of Reading
Pre-school and primary school-aged children attending the literary festival on
11 April 2026 will be invited to choose a free book from the second-hand book sale.
In partnership with
