The Big Draw Festival 2026
2 – 3 October 2026
The Big Draw Festival 2026 will take place at Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, the UK's only public arts organisation dedicated to illustration.
On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026, The Big Draw will be taking over the Centre with a jam-packed programme of workshops, talks and activities for artists, families, and people of all ages, all celebrating this year’s theme ‘Make a Mark’.
'Make a Mark' celebrates drawing as a process and a form of playful inquiry and expression. The theme invites everyone to explore how marks can help us express ourselves, connect with others and see the world in new ways.
Whether you're a lifelong artist, an enthusiastic doodler or haven't picked up a pencil in years, come along and celebrate with us as we kick start a month-long global celebration of drawing. Find out more about The Big Draw Festival 2026.(opens in new window)
Full details for Friday 2 October and Saturday 3 October below.
Join us for an evening panel discussion, ‘Making Your Mark: Creativity, Impact and Social Responsibility’, exploring the power of creativity to shape communities, influence public conversations and create positive change.
The conversation will bring together artists and creative practitioners from a range of disciplines, discussing how creativity can be used to respond to social issues, shape communities and make a meaningful impact.
Find out more and book here(opens in new window) | Suitable for ages 18+
Join us for the official launch celebration of The Big Draw Festival 2026 at Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration! Throughout the day, visitors of all ages are invited to get involved with a joyful and jam-packed programme of artist-led workshops and activities.
Across the Centre, you'll find plenty of opportunities to experiment, play and create with an exciting line-up of artists, illustrators, and creative facilitators. With a mix of free drop-in activities, bookable workshops and exhibition tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to doodle on a giant collaborative artwork, experiment with different materials or simply have fun making some marks, you'll find plenty of ways to get involved.
Find out more and book here(opens in new window) | Open to all
If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email events@qbcentre.org.uk or phone 020 4524 2657.
You can find out more about Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration’s facilities and accessibility here: Accessing the Centre.(opens in new window)