Oldham children celebrate World Book Day 2026 with creative costumes

Schools across Oldham are alive with colour and imagination today as children celebrate World Book Day 2026, dressing up as their favourite literary characters. From Hogwarts students to hungry caterpillars, the borough's classrooms have transformed into scenes from beloved books, with teachers joining in the fun alongside their pupils.

The annual celebration aims to make reading exciting and accessible for children of all ages. According to the World Book Day campaign, only one in three children currently enjoys reading, but they say that reading for pleasure is the strongest predictor of future success and happiness. The event encourages young people to see reading as something fun, entertaining, and social rather than a chore.

Local schools have embraced the spirit of the day with creative costumes ranging from classic characters like Harry Potter and Matilda to more contemporary favourites. The initiative isn't just about dressing up-it's about creating memorable experiences that might spark a lifelong love of books. Teachers report that children who might normally shy away from reading often become more engaged when they can connect with stories through play and imagination.

The Oldham Chronicle is collecting photos from families across the borough to showcase the wonderful costumes and celebrate the creativity of local children. Parents have been sharing pictures of their little ones transformed into everything from pirates to princesses, superheroes to storybook villains. These shared moments help build a sense of community around the joy of reading.

Reading charities emphasise that making books fun and social is crucial for encouraging children to pick up reading habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. By turning World Book Day into a celebration rather than a lesson, schools across Oldham are helping to change perceptions about reading. The hope is that today's costumes and excitement might be the first step towards creating the next generation of avid readers who understand that books can open doors to countless adventures.