The full Festival programme is open to schools in the North East Combined Authority area:
UK schools can join in selected activities, events and competitions.
Our Festival is designed to spark curiosity and creativity and open doors to future opportunities, inspiring a generation of future linguists and global citizens.
The biggest event of its type in the UK, the Festival encourages children and young people (3-18) in schools, community schools and groups to celebrate diverse languages and cultures and our connections to the world.
Our programme of FREE events, activities, competitions and resources runs from 6 January to 31st March and is open for registrations
We aim to entertain, enthuse and educate, to foster inclusion and understanding, as well as raise aspirations and awareness of the opportunities that open up through speaking languages and understanding diverse cultures.
Find out more and see What’s On in our 2026 Festival
See our News page, follow the Festival on social media: X | facebook | instagram and sign up for the Festival newsletter.
Festival participation supports schools’ applications for British Council’s International School Award levels. This requires involvement in one activity for a Foundation Certificate or more activities to support progression to Intermediate Level and Accreditation.
Festival activities can support Schools of Sanctuary work, by celebrating multiculturalism and multilingualism.
Schools can get involved in a range of activities, projects and events from January to March to embrace the languages, cultures and traditions of all pupils and the school community.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful for the support we receive to develop and deliver the Festival. Funding from the North East Combined Authority has enabled the Festival to run for its sixth year, supporting coordination, communications, commissions and a celebration event. The Festival also relies on contributions from our local, regional, national partners and international partners, who make the Festival possible, by providing events, activities and resources free of charge. Click here to find out more.
We are also grateful to all the teachers, schools, community schools and groups who make it possible for thousands of children and young people to take part in the Festival.
This project is part-funded by the North East Combined Authority
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