The Heath Bookshop has gone from strength to strength. Having only opened three years ago, the Kings Heath bookstore launched its own literature and music festival in 2024. A year later (back in May), it was crowned the ‘Independent Bookshop of the Year’ at The British Book Awards.
Now, its unique blend of music and literature returns (April 15 to 19, 2026), working with other local independent businesses like children’s bookshop How Brave is the Wren and music pub the Hare and Hounds—showcasing local talent and established artists in Kings Heath.
The previous Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival saw 27 events across 4 days, with some incredible artists, authors and musicians, like Robin Ince, Ingrid Persaud, Jo Callaghan, Stewart Foster, Nathanael Lessore, David Holmes, and General Levy, involved. The 2026 event is already looking even better.
What’s happening at The Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival?
The biannual festival will feature everything from a radical new dance adaptation of Max Porter’s award-winning novel, ‘Grief Is The Thing With Feathers’ (Saturday, April 18), followed by an ‘in conversation’ with the author, to the festival’s first-ever Open Mic Competition (Sunday, April 19)—entries open from December 19, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
Elsewhere, look out for a DJ set from former The Smiths drummer, Mike Joyce, and an ‘in conversation’ chat about his memoir, ‘The Drums’; and an afternoon of poetry, storytelling and performance led by Ayan Aden, Birmingham’s Poet Laureate, Making: Stories that Shape Us (Sunday, April 19).
Meanwhile, Carnival of the Animals with Sennet Brass (Saturday, April 18) will see the quintet joined by children—who have created masks and instruments through workshops—bring to life Michael Morpurgo’s collection of animal poems. Plus, Thiago de Moraes offers a fun-packed introduction to the ‘Mighty Myths’ of the world.
You can also expect in conversation events with music writers and musicians like Helen O’Hara (who played the iconic violin part on Come On Eileen with Dexys Midnight Runners), Lawrence—the greatest popstar you’ve never heard of—as well as musicians on the streets of Kings Heath, including Birmingham Drum Battery.
The Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival’s complete programme will be released over the coming months. But expect solo acts, author events, specially commissioned performance pieces, children’s activities and music gigs. You can learn more about The Heath Bookshop by heading here.