Sunday 23 to Saturday 29 August 2026

We are delighted to be partnering with Guildford Book Festival to present a special Children's Book Festival for families to enjoy.

Situated in a pop-up bell tent on our gallery lawn we have a fun-filled week of inspiring author and illustrator events, from magical hands-on experiments and interactive storytelling to lively performances, creative workshops, and much more.

Sunday 23 August
10.30 – 11.30 | Alex Milway | Captain Sunshine

Climb aboard the Sunshine for a wonderfully interactive event with award‑winning author Alex Milway, celebrating Captain Sunshine, a flamboyantly fun new series set on an animal‑filled cruise ship.

Book tickets >
(Please note the above link redirects you to the Guildford Book Festival website)

Sunday 23 August
2.00 – 3.00 | Yuval Zommer | The Big Book of Bugs

Bugs live nearly everywhere on Earth... this book is divided into key groups including beetles, moths, butterflies, bees, snails, crickets, grasshoppers, worms and spiders.

Join Yuval Zommer to discover amazing bug facts and learn tips on how to become a young bug spotter.

Book tickets >
(Please note the above link redirects you to the Guildford Book Festival website)

Wednesday 26 August
10.30 – 11.30 | Jonny Lambert | Butterfly Workshop

When Buttons spots a beautiful blue butterfly, he wants everyone to stop and share the moment, but in the bustle of busy streets and the chitter-chatter of cafés, the world just rushes by.

Join renowned author and illustrator, Jonny Lambert for an enchanting butterfly workshop and give your little ones the chance to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world, one small, wonderful wing at a time.

Book online >

Wednesday 26 August
2.00 – 3.00 | Emma Dodd | Illustration Workshop

Emma Dodd is an award-winning author and illustrator beloved by children everywhere. Best known for her gorgeous Love You series, including Me, Together, and What Matters Most.

Inspired by her own children, Emma's books are full of warmth, and the magic of unconditional love. Now she's bringing that same joy to life in an interactive drawing session just for little ones! Join Emma for a hands-on creative adventure where your child can draw alongside a real author-illustrator and discover the storyteller within.

Book online >

Thursday 27 August
10.30 – 11.30 or 2.00 – 3.00 | James Carter | B O I N G ! giggles riddles & rhymes

Come on down, you bugs big and small, for a really zippy, buzzy, bouncy hour full of giggles, riddles, songs and rhymes with James Carter, madcap musician/children’s writer. Expect axolotls, capybaras, woolly mammoths and more… Plus you get to write your very own riddle, take it home and stick it on the fridge or somewhere cool... BOING!

Book online >

Friday 28 August
2.00 – 3.00 | Amanda Wood | The Wizard’s Guide to Extraordinary Experiments

Become a trainee wizard by joining this event with First Class Wizard, A.J. Wood, where you can learn to perform magic tricks whilst finding out all about the wonderful world of physics. Make an anti-gravity bottle, a magical jumping bean, and find out how to make water stay in a glass even when it’s upside down!

Book online >

Saturday 29 August
10.30 - 11.30 | Adam Stower | Little Acorn

Join award-winning children's author and illustrator Adam Stower, and hear all about the adventures of Murray and Bun, the stars of his hilarious and highly-illustrated series, and how he created his new picture book Little Acorn.

Packed to the brim with fun and creativity, this event is perfect for all budding illustrators!

Book online >
(Please note the above link redirects you to the Guildford Book Festival website)

Saturday 29 August
2.00 - 3.00 | Catherine Cawthorne | We're Moving to the Moon

Join author Catherine Cawthorne for an interactive event about We're Moving To The Moon, a young graphic novel written by Catherine and illustrated by Harry Woodgate.

Packed with real science and fascinating facts, this is suitable for children aged 4 - 8 years (and any grown-ups who wanted to be an astronaut when they grew up).

Book online >
(Please note the above link redirects you to the Guildford Book Festival website)