The festival will offer a week of creativity, inspiration and fun for visitors of all ages
The InterContinental Hotel Festival City will be buzzing with excitement from 21 to 27 January 2026, as the festival will bring a fresh lineup of lively talks, family-friendly activities, and special dinner events.
Guests will meet their favourite authors, will join interactive workshops, and will enjoy performances that will bring books, music, and creativity to life.
Kids will dive into hands-on storytelling adventures, while adults will settle in for intimate chats with bestselling writers.
As the sun sets, evening dinners and live music will add a touch of glamour, making it the perfect spot for families, friends, or anyone looking for a playful, cultural escape.
With a mix of laughter, learning, and unforgettable festival moments, it will be a week you won’t want to miss, so mark your calendar and get ready to soak up the fun from 21 to 27 January 2026!
Some key festival highlights
John Patrick Green: The InvestiGators
25 January, 1pm-2pm
Dive into the hilarious world of Mango and Brash, the sewer-dwelling detectives of the bestselling InvestiGators series, with creator John Patrick Green.
This interactive session brings the action-packed adventures to life through live drawing, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the creative process.
Expect reptiles, outrageous gadgets, and laugh-out-loud moments that will delight fans of all ages.
Whether you’re already a devoted reader or discovering the series for the first time, join John for a fun-filled journey into the world of undercover gators, and maybe even try drawing your own secret agent.
Jamie Smart: Bunny vs Monkey
24 January, 5pm-6pm
Step into the chaotic world of Bunny vs Monkey with comic creator Jamie Smart. This lively, interactive session is packed with wild characters, fast-paced storytelling, and laugh-out-loud antics.
Watch as Jamie brings his furry foes to life, from explosive inventions to epic showdowns, and discover the secrets behind the comic-making process.
Whether you’re Team Bunny or Team Monkey, you’ll get the chance to try your hand at drawing your own hilarious strip.
Bursting with energy, nonsense, and creativity, this event promises heaps of fun for fans of all ages who love comics, chaos, and clever storytelling.
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100 Summers with Ali Sparkes
24 January, 11.30pm-12.30pm
Join bestselling author Ali Sparkes for an exciting journey into 100 Summers, where city kid Dante finds himself at a grand, old English mansion for a free summer school, despite his ADHD and dyslexia.
His adventure begins when he discovers an old journal full of clues to hidden treasures, turning a reluctant summer into a thrilling quest.
This fast-paced, interactive session is packed with puzzles, secrets, and treasure-hunting fun, giving fans the chance to step into Dante’s world.
Prepare for laughter, clever twists, and the joy of cracking codes alongside one of today’s most engaging children’s authors.
Curtis Jobling: The World of Wolf King
25 January, 5.30pm-6.40pm
Fans of adventure and fantasy will step into the world of Wolf King as Curtis Jobling reveals how his Wereworld novels will come to life on Netflix.
He will share the challenges of adapting stories for animation, the secrets behind his characters, and the journey from page to screen.
Attendees will follow 16-year-old Drew Ferran as he will discover he is the last werewolf heir, making this a must-see session for epic storytelling enthusiasts.
Lucy Strange: Shadows and Secrets
24 January, 2.30pm-3.15pm
Step into mysterious, windswept worlds with Lucy Strange, Montegrappa Writing Prize winner and author of The Ghost of Gosswater and The Island at the Edge of the Night.
Blending history with supernatural intrigue, Lucy creates atmospheric stories filled with courage, resilience, and unforgettable characters.
In this engaging session, she reveals the real-life inspirations behind her tales and shows how emotion, magic, and mystery come alive on the page.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric fiction, this interactive talk invites readers to explore ghostly legends, stormy seas, and hidden secrets while learning the craft behind her captivating storytelling.
For further information, visit litfesttickets.emirateslitfest.com
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