Conference
The Federation’s annual conference, organised by one of our local children’s book groups in collaboration with the National Executive, takes place every year in spring, in different locations around the country.
All photos by David Bartlett
Talks, debates, seminars, workshops and exhibitions all feature at the conference which provides a great opportunity to hear authors and illustrators talk about their work, and to socialise with others who are passionate about children’s books and getting children reading.
FCBG Conference 2026
Books that Hook: Turning every child into a reader with the right book
The 2026 conference will be held at Leighton Park School in Reading from 10th to 12th April.
The provisional programme is now available. We are still waiting for confirmation of a few speakers so more names will be added soon.
Provisional programme for FCBG conference 2026
Bookings are now open. Early bird rates are available until 16th January 2026
Full weekend places, including accommodation, are £295 for FCBG members, £335 for non-members.
Friday day delegate rate is £50 for members, £&0 for non-members
Saturday day delegate rate is £80 for members, £100 for non-members
Sunday day delegate rate is £65 for members, £85 for non-members
Please get in touch with our membership secretary for information about membership and how to join.
Our beautiful logo has been created by Emma Carpendale
FCBG Conference 2025
Weaving Magic with Words
The 2025 conference was held at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School St Catherine’s Campus from 11th to 13th April.
Speakers included Jackie Morris, Manon Steffan Ros, Karin Celestine, Louisa Reid, Lesley Parr, Barry Cunningham, Piers Torday, Ash Bond, Claire Fayers, Alex Wharton, Kate Williams, Mamma G, Chris Smith, Hannah Gold, Gill Lewis, Neill Cameron, Billy Partridge, Sophy Henn, Sandra Saleh-Reyhani, Struan Murray, Greg Stobbs, Scott Evans, Zoe Antoniades, Matt Goodfellow, Thomas Flintham, Ben Hoare, Lily Dyu, and Nicola Davies. We celebrated the 45th anniversary of Jill Murphy’s classic picture book Peace at Last, 25 years of Chicken House, 10 years of Rock the Boat, Usborne’s new series Pia’s Pet Club, and the publication of Jessie Burton’s Hidden Treasures.
Our lovely logo was created by Jackie Morris.