Every two years, BSB plays host to a week that leaves an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of all our students and staff. From the moment the doors of the school swing open to the world of literature, creativity, and imagination, The British School of Brussels Book Festival transports our school into the realm of stories, words, and illustrations. The 2025 edition – “Curious Creatures, Wild Minds” – was no exception.
For an entire week in October, in a celebration of our One School ethos, the whole campus buzzes with excitement, as famous children’s authors and illustrators grace our halls, corridors, classrooms and outdoor spaces. The event brings the pages of beloved stories to life and fills the air with the whispers of creativity and the rustle of turning pages. It is a festival that celebrates the power of storytelling and the magic of imagination.
Striking a balance between tradition and innovative flair, this year’s festival reaffirmed BSB’s rich literary legacy and its forward-thinking journey towards becoming the first international school to secure the Reading for Pleasure Quality Mark.
“There has been such a buzz around school this week,” said Ceri Seymour, Primary English Curriculum Leader and a member of the Book Festival Team. “So many children and staff have stopped by to tell me a story about an author or illustrator that has inspired them to read, or to express their creativity in words or pictures. I loved how the authors were all so different and how each session offered an experience that was unique and original.”
Throughout the week, BSB was alive with a host of dynamic workshops and presentations led by award-winning authors. The festival launched with a colourful dress-up day, with students and staff arriving dressed as their favourite book characters, setting a jubilant tone that was mirrored in the creative displays and artwork contributed by students – most notably, the festival’s vibrant new logo designed by Year 13 student Emma.
A pop-up Waterstones bookshop operated each day, giving students and parents a chance to browse and purchase books, many later signed by guest authors. The thrill of author encounters was amplified by daily opportunities for students to win breakfast meetings with writers – an initiative that proved especially popular and memorable among the student body.
Some of the most cherished names in children’s literature made their way to our school for the festival, and not just to sign books; they came to inspire. The line-up this year showcased a diverse cohort of acclaimed writers and illustrators, including Patrice Lawrence, Anthony McGowan, Matt Goodfellow, Chris Vick, Marieke Nijkamp, Victoria Williamson, Katya Balen, Liz Million, Pieter Gaudesaboos, and Leo Timmers, all of whom delivered engaging talks and interactive workshops. The community had the unique opportunity to interact with these guests, gleaning fresh insights into the craft of storytelling, illustration, and the creative process.
“Our authors have been fantastic and it’s always such a privilege to meet writers and illustrators and talk about their work,” Festival lead organiser Clare Gunns, Assistant Head, said. “Both Katya Balen and Patrice Lawrence emphasised the importance of telling your story, being authentic and exploring the ‘What if..?’ Encouraging students to find their voice and celebrate diversity in stories is part of the English and Media Faculty manifesto, so it’s brilliant to have that reinforced by our guests. Chris Vick also encouraged our students to find the wild in themselves,” she added. “Our theme of ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’ has been embodied by his writing, but it’s also been fantastic to see how his conservation work intertwines with our GIN students and Post-16 scientists, showing how we can be a force for good with our actions.”
Interactive illustration sessions, such as those led by Liz Million, and readings tailored to all age groups, notably from early years to IB students, exemplified the inclusive nature of the programme. Many attending students described the week as “inspiring” and “the best event of the year,” citing the thrill of meeting real authors and the joy of discovering new genres.
“This year’s Book Festival has been a wonderful celebration of stories, imagination and community at BSB,” said Alicia Baine, Teacher Librarian and a member of the Festival organisation team. “The opportunity to experience a variety of author presentations, discussions and moments of reading joy sends a reminder that books, in all their forms, are at the heart of learning – they open minds, spark curiosity and connect us through the power of words.”
It wasn’t just the students who benefitted from their interactions with the authors and illustrators. Members of the BSB staff community were also enthused, joining in with the workshops, presentations and conversations held with our esteemed guests. Anne Steadman, Head of Libraries and Learning Resources and a member of the Book Festival Team, reflected on her own highlights:
“Anthony McGowan had Year 8 cheering following his reading of an extract of his book “Pike”, Marieke Nijkamp explained the process of writing scripts for graphic novels and talked of how closely she collaborates with the illustrator to get to the final product and Victoria Williamson brought kinetic energy, physics, code breaking and sign language to her story telling and kept us all spellbound!”
One of the festival’s most anticipated moments was the Author Evening on Thursday, combining guest readings and book signings, plus poetry and drama performances from our students, and a preview of the Year 9–13 play “Medea.” On an evening of celebration, the sense of togetherness was palpable as parents and students were united in the joy of reading and creativity. It was also an evening of significance as it marked the ‘passing of the torch’ between outgoing Poet Laureate Klara and her successor Kika, who performed her poem ‘The Blue’ in her first public recital since taking on the role. Klara bowed out with a wonderful recital of her own work, ‘Write me a poem about me’.
“This is a wonderful festival but the thing that has impressed my most has been the children,” author Chris Vick said. “Their enthusiasm and their excitement for books, for reading, for being open to creativity and imagination has been truly eye-opening and inspiring. They really are a special lot.”
The House Poetry Slam, held in the Glade on the final day of the Festival, is traditionally one of the highlights of the BSB Book Festival. This year’s event was entered into by a wide range of students in true house spirit, with points awarded for wit, courage, and originality of material. Our student poets delivered powerful, personal verses that resonated strongly with their peers and teachers alike. The judges had a very difficult task to choose a winner but first place went to Irene from Firman – winning the Slam for the second Festival running, with Derin from Goodman and Flannery from Pantlin in joint second place, and Klara, also from Pantlin, in third. The competitive yet hugely supportive atmosphere underlined BSB’s ethos of inspiring belonging, respect and a sense of community in its students, something author and the Slam’s ‘Master of Ceremonies’ Matt Goodfellow was bowled over by.
“Coming to this school, I didn’t realise how much of a community it would be,” Matt said. “The young people, an international group of kids from all over the world…the tolerance, the respect they show for each other and the many cultures here at BSB is really impressive.”
As the week ended, the festival left a lasting impression – a “legacy of literature” woven anew. Students, families, and staff departed with armfuls of books, cherished autographs, memories of lively debates, poetic outpourings, and the enduring message that reading, at BSB, is not just an individual pursuit but a cornerstone of our collective identity.
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