Clifton LitFest Profits Support Reading Initiatives Across Bristol

The Friends of Clifton Centre and Library (FoCCaL) have announced how the proceeds from this year’s Clifton LitFest are continuing to make a meaningful impact on reading and literacy initiatives across Bristol.

Run entirely by volunteers, Clifton LitFest 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 as part of the city’s National Year of Reading.

The funding has enabled the launch of an engaging new ‘Book Bingo’ initiative, a reading challenge for adults running alongside the popular Summer Reading Challenge for children. Designed to encourage participants to explore a diverse range of books, the programme promotes reading for pleasure and helps foster a deeper enthusiasm for literature across all ages.

As part of Bristol Libraries’ Book Bingo, participants can win a £100 book token prize. Readers can 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 31 December 2026.

£500 each to Hotwells Primary School and Christ Church C of E Primary School to support the purchase of books and end-of-term show expenses.

Up to £1,000 has been allocated to enhance the children’s area at Clifton Library, creating a more welcoming and engaging space for young readers. 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 13-14 July 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: “We are extremely grateful to FoCCaL for their generous support. 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, with all proceeds reinvested into community projects that promote literacy, culture, and community wellbeing. The next festival is scheduled to take place over the weekend of 13-15 November.

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