CALFE 2024: Expanding Reach, Celebrating Stories

Supported with public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare & Events (CALFE) made ambitious strides in 2024. With a clear vision to celebrate culturally relevant literature and elevate voices from underrepresented communities, CALFE hosted a five-week programme that spanned multiple prestigious venues, including Manchester Museum, Chelmsford Museum, and Colchester.

In total, 39 artists; storytellers, authors, illustrators, and creatives, delivered a rich variety of in-person and online activities. These offerings centred around marginalised authors and characters within books, spotlighting stories deeply rooted in African and Caribbean cultures while embracing diverse heritages.

CALFE’s Online presence also soared: with 226 family registrations and an audience of  728 in-persons engaging across both digital and in-person platforms.  This growing reach reflects the organisation’s commitment to accessible programming and inclusive storytelling.

CALFE’s consistent growth in scale, content, and impact demonstrates not just momentum, but ambition—to make culturally meaningful literature visible and celebrated. By curating vibrant, family-focused events that amplify marginalised narratives, CALFE is helping to shape a more representative children’s literary landscape across the UK.