The much-loved Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival is set to make a vibrant return to Birmingham next spring. The biennial event will transform Kings Heath into a hub of creative fusion from 15 to 19 April 2026.
Organised by The Heath Bookshop in partnership with How Brave is the Wren and the Hare & Hounds venue, the festival is backed by National Lottery Project Grants funding distributed by Arts Council England. It promises a unique celebration where the written word and musical performance collide.
A Programme Packed with Premieres and Talent
The 2026 edition boasts several exciting new commissions. On Saturday 18 April, Beyond Words dance-theatre company will present a radical dance adaptation of Max Porter's award-winning novel, Grief is the thing with feathers. This will be followed by a rare 'in conversation' event with the author himself, marking the first time Porter has attended a performance of this adaptation.
The following day, Sunday 19 April, will see Birmingham’s Poet Laureate, Ayan Aden, lead Voices in the Making: Stories that Shape Us. This specially commissioned show features poetry, storytelling, and performance, developed through workshops with young people, focusing on empowerment and connection.
Family-friendly highlights include Carnival of the Animals on Saturday 18 April, where the Sennet Brass quintet will perform alongside children who have created masks and instruments in workshops. They will bring Michael Morpurgo's animal poems to life in an interactive event.
Open Mics, Music Icons and Accessibility
In a festival first, an Open Mic Competition will launch, celebrating spoken word and performance. The competition opens for entries on 19 December 2025, with a deadline of 31 January 2026. The final will be held at the Hare & Hounds on Sunday 19 April, judged by the likes of Casey Bailey and Adele Oliver.
Music lovers can anticipate a DJ set from Mike Joyce, former drummer of The Smiths, at the Hare & Hounds, coupled with an author event discussing his memoir. The programme also includes 'in conversation' events with music writer and violinist Helen O'Hara of Dexys Midnight Runners, and the enigmatic artist known as Lawrence.
Catherine and Claire, co-owners of The Heath Bookshop, expressed their excitement: "We are so excited to be finalising the programme... We think, hope, we will offer something for all you music and book lovers next April." They also confirmed the return of favourite authors like Robin Ince, Mike Gayle, and Liz Berry.
Committed to inclusivity, the organisers have stated that many events will be low-cost and BSL (British Sign Language) signed, with full details to be included in the final programme.
The full line-up continues to develop, with updates available on The Heath Bookshop's social media channels and website. Tickets and further information can be found at www.theheathbookshop.co.uk.
