World Book Day

Celebrating World Book Day 2026

When is World Book Day?

World Book Day takes place on the first Thursday of March each year, with the next one on Thu 5 Mar 2026.

What is World Book Day?

World Book Day is a charity event that is celebrated each year to inspire children to enjoy the benefits of reading for fun. It's also a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the joys that reading can bring to children and adults alike.

VISIT THE WORLD BOOK DAY WEBSITE

Author Events at The Forum

Feeling inspired by books? Take a look through some upcoming events taking place at The Forum that feature some great authors and storytellers. Whether they've written a telling of ancient history, or a celebrity memoir, we can't wait for these authors to bring their unique show to The Forum soon.

🎭 Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show (Sat 28 Mar 2026)
Comedian and long-running Have I Got News For You panellist Paul Merton is no stranger to an autobiography, having published his memoir Only When I Laugh back in 2015, as well as other literary contributions since. He's coming to Bath with fellow improviser Suki Webster for a show of funny improvised games and stories.

🏏 An Evening With Aggers & Tuffers (Thu 9 Apr 2026)
Both Jonathan "Aggers" Agnew and Phil "Tuffers" Tufnell have their fair share of author credits under their belt. They share stories and their expert knowledge about the world of cricket, including a joint venture 'Test Match Special'. They both take to the stage for an evening of entertainment, sharing their cricket stories and off-pitch adventures.

🐍 Bear Grylls - Never Give Up (Sat 18 Apr 2026)
Renowned adventurer, TV presenter and former SAS trooper Bear Grylls has shared many of his survival skills and epic expeditions in a multitude of publications over the years. The bestselling author has produced books for younger readers as well as several fiction books. He's coming to The Forum for a family-friendly live show for adventurers of all ages, titled Never Give Up.

🏺 Tom Holland - The Lives of the Caesars (Fri 22 May 2026)
Bath Festivals presents an evening with acclaimed historian Tom Holland. The bestselling author and award-winning star of The Rest is History podcast celebrates his translation of Suetonius’s influential Lives of the Twelve Caesars in this informative event.

👑 My Royal Life: An Audience with Lucy Worsley (Tue 1 Sep 2026)
Beloved historian and bestselling author Lucy Worsley returns to Bath to take audiences behind the scenes into the history of royal residences. The tour also celebrates the release of her new book coming out in 2026. Lucy is known for her trademark warmth and scholarly sparkle, reflecting both in her live events and literary works.

🇪🇬 Uncovering Ancient Egypt With Bettany Hughes (Fri 6 Nov 2026)
Experience Ancient Egypt through the eyes of award-winning historian Bettany Hughes. With over 50 documentaries and bestselling books, including The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and Venus & Aphrodite, Bettany has devoted 25 years to uncovering ancient history and transforming it into captivating storytelling.

👑 Miriam Margolyes (Mon 7 Dec 2026)
Award-winning actress Miriam Margolyes may be primarily known for her appearances across film, television and stage, but she's also contributed to literature through her bestselling memoirs. She celebrates the upcoming release of her latest collection of stories, Miriam's Full English, with an evening of memories, politics, filth and absolutely everything in between.