The proceeds from the successful Clifton LitFest are making a meaningful impact on literacy initiatives across Bristol in the National Year of Reading.
The annual book festival is held in November and is run by volunteers from The Friends of Clifton Centre and Library (FoCCaL). It celebrates literature while reinvesting its profits into projects that inspire a lifelong love of reading.
This year, FoCCaL has donated £5,000 to Bristol Libraries. The funding has enabled the launch of a Book Bingo initiative, a reading challenge for adults running alongside the popular Summer Reading Challenge for children. Designed to encourage participants to explore a range of books, the programme promotes reading for pleasure and helps foster a deeper enthusiasm for literature across all ages.
Participants can win a £100 book token prize. Readers sign up online or at their local library, then work through a bingo card featuring broad reading categories—allowing flexibility to choose any book that fits, from romance to non-fiction. Participants can track their progress at home or have their card stamped at a library, before returning completed cards by December 31 2026.
FoCCaL has also given £500 each to Hotwells Primary School and Christ Church CofE Primary School to support the purchase of books and end-of-term show expenses, while up to £1,000 has been allocated to enhance the children’s area at Clifton Library.
A £500 donation will support a prison library book club, promoting wellbeing and rehabilitation through reading. A further £2,500 will help create the inaugural Children’s LitFest, with a vibrant programme of literary events for younger audiences, which will take place on July 13-14 across venues in Clifton.
Chair of LitFest Paula O’Rourke said: “Clifton LitFest is about more than celebrating books, it’s about giving back to the community. We are thrilled that the funds raised by our festival are helping libraries and schools inspire a love of reading across Bristol. The Book Bingo challenge is a wonderful example of how these donations make a real difference.”
Leon from the Library Service added: “The Book Bingo challenge will engage people throughout the summer, encouraging them to discover new books and enjoy the many benefits of reading.”
Clifton LitFest attracts leading authors and enthusiastic audiences each year. The 2026 festival is scheduled to take place from November 13-15.