Sir Lenny Henry joins World Book Day Reading for Smiles Festival in Birmingham

The comedian, actor, fundraiser and author will headline the Reading for Smiles Children’s Book Festival in Birmingham on March 6, bringing a day of storytelling, creativity, and fun to young readers.

The Black British Book Festival (BBBF) has launched the ground-breaking new initiative, in partnership with the charity World Book Day and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC). 

Sponsored by Pan Macmillan and funded by Arts Council England, the first-of-its-kind festival will welcome 210 children from schools with high free school meal eligibility and low literacy rates, offering many their first-ever experience of a literature festival.

Hosted by the Black British Book Festival, the event will feature live author readings, interactive theatre performances, creative workshops, and arts & crafts, all designed to inspire a love of reading. 

Participating schools include St. Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School, Yorkmead Primary School, Nelson Mandela Primary School, Quinton Church Primary School, St. Matthew’s C.E. Primary School, Harper Bell SDA Primary School, and Rookery School.

Sir Lenny Henry will take to the stage to engage with the children through storytelling and conversation, sharing his passion for books and the importance of seeing yourself in stories.

The Reading for Smiles Festival stands apart by celebrating diverse authors and stories, ensuring that all children—regardless of background—see themselves reflected in books.

Sir Lenny said: "I grew up in the West Midlands, and I know how important it is for kids to have access to stories that reflect who they are. 

"Reading opens doors, fuels dreams, and builds confidence. 

"I’m delighted to be part of the Reading for Smiles Festival and to share the joy of books with these young readers on World Book Day."

 Selina Brown, Founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival, said: "Reading for Smiles is about more than just books, it’s about ensuring every child sees themselves in the stories they read. 

"For many of these children, this will be their first time attending a literature festival, and we want it to be an unforgettable experience. 

"Having Sir Lenny Henry join us makes this festival even more special, and we’re excited to bring the magic of reading to children in Birmingham."

Cassie Chadderton, Chief Executive of World Book Day, said: "World Book Day is all about unlocking the fun of reading for every child. 

"Partnering with the Black British Book Festival for this event means that even more children will have the chance to enjoy reading as an entertaining, social and fun thing to do. 

"We’re thrilled to support this special festival to help more children find the fun in reading."

The Black British Book Festival has grown into Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature and the Reading for Smiles Festival is its latest initiative, created to bring books directly to children who need them most and break barriers to literature access.

This year’s event builds on the success of last year’s Reading for Smiles programme, which reached hundreds of children across Birmingham’s schools and libraries. 

For more information, visit the festival website.