Broadcaster Kevin McCloud to return to Chichester for special fundraising evening in support of Childrens BookFest
Published 15:08 on 27 Apr 2026
Broadcaster, designer and writer Kevin McCloud will return to Chichester this spring, by popular demand, for a special fundraising evening at Chichester Cathedral in support of local charity Childrens BookFest.
Taking place on Thursday 14 May, An Evening with Kevin McCloud will see Kevin lean into one of his greatest passions storytelling. Sharing the stories behind the projects, people and ideas that have shaped his life and career.
Best known as the presenter of Grand Designs, Kevin will reflect on decades of experience across architecture, design and broadcasting, alongside new creative ventures, including an upcoming podcast, a forthcoming series Kevin McClouds Listed Britain which will see Kevin exploring Grade I listed buildings , and Kevin McClouds Classic Car Road Trips.
A lifelong reader, Kevin will also explore the books and authors that have influenced him, including works by Jean Giono, Daniel Defoe and Iain Banks, offering insight into how stories shape the way we see the world. Known for his love of books, he is as likely to be found championing libraries and book swaps as he is adding to his own ever-growing collection.
The event has been inspired by Kevins admiration for the work of Childrens BookFest, a Chichester-based charity that buys brand-new books and places them directly into the hands of children to spark a lifelong love of reading.
Through its BookFest programmes, as well as its partnership with Chichester Foodbank, the charity is reaching children and families across the district - helping to ensure access to books, and to the authors and illustrators behind them, for children who might otherwise never have a book to call their own.
Georgina Lippiett, Festival Director of Childrens BookFest said:
Were incredibly grateful to Kevin for his continued support and generosity. His passion for storytelling and reading aligns so closely with what we do, and this event will help us raise vital funds to place more books into the hands of children across our communities. At a time when reading for pleasure is in decline, this work has never been more important.
Kevin McCloud commented:
Im so delighted to be returning to Chichester to support Childrens BookFest. Reading and stories have always been a huge part of my life; even my job is essentially one of storytelling. I also collect books (to which I owe my career I suspect). So Im a fan of libraries, of book swaps, of the simple sharing of stories. What matters here is that everyone has access to them so the work of Childrens BookFest is inspiring; Im pleased to play a tiny part in helping it continue.
While the evening centres on storytelling, it also sits within the wider context of the National Year of Reading 2026, which Childrens BookFest is spearheading locally - an initiative Kevin is pleased to champion.
Funds raised from the evening will support the charitys work across Chichester, Bognor Regis and Midhurst.
Kevin McClouds fundraising talk marks the start of a busy and ambitious season for Childrens BookFest. This includes the launch of its first-ever BookFest YA, extending its work into secondary schools with author visits, a writing competition and masterclass.
Tickets to An Evening with Kevin McCloud, presented by Childrens BookFest, are £15 per person and can be purchased online at - www.ticketsource.com/childrens-book-fest-chichester