Lit & Phil Invention Challenge 2026: Myths & Legends

Summer Outreach

We’ll be popping up at different locations this summer, we hope to see you there!

Friday 31st July 10.30am - 2.30pm: Free drop in workshop at Galafield Family Hub, no need to book!

Sat 8th and Sun 9th August 11am - 5pm: Free drop in workshop at NOVUM, Newcastle’s summer festival. We’ll be outside the Civic Centre. No need to book!

Thursday 13th August 10am - 12pm: Workshop at Queen’s Hall Arts Centre in Hexham 10 to 12am - sign up here (£5)

Autumn Schools Programme

This Autumn, the Lit & Phil and Little Inventors invite children aged 7-12 to come up with their own invention ideas in response to the collections of the beloved Newcastle historic library.

All schools, clubs and families are welcome to take part, using our resource pack which will be available from Friday 2nd September. In the pack, you will find a power point, introduction video and printable resources for you to run your own workshop.

All ideas submitted via this site by Friday 16th October will receive positive feedback from the Little Inventors team, and be in with a chance to be selected to be brought to life by a professional maker or shortlisted for exhibition at the Lit & Phil this winter.

The Light Bird was brought to life by artist Lottie Smith as part of our 2025 Lit & Phil wildlife challenge.

A limited number of in person schools workshops led by the Little Inventors team at the Lit & Phil will take place in October 2026.

What to expect? Taking inspiration from the library books and with expert support from the Little Inventors team, students will practice creative thinking, draw their invention ideas, write a short description and prototype them using cardboard and recycled materials.

Seven 2 hour 15 minute workshop slots available at the library (NE1 1SE) for approx 30 students per workshop. Please contact justine@littleinventors.org to secure your school’s place! Places will be allocated to ensure opportunities are shared across the region so make sure to book your place early.

Slot 1: Thursday 1st Oct @ 9.15am to 11.30am > FULLY BOOKED

Slot 2: Thursday 1st Oct @ 12.15pm to 2.30pm > FULLY BOOKED

Slot 3: Friday 9th Oct @ 9.15am to 11.30am > FULLY BOOKED

Slot 4: Friday 9th Oct @ 12.15pm to 2.30pm

Slot 5: Monday 12th Oct @ 1pm to 3.15pm

Slot 6: Wednesday 14th Oct @ 9.15am to 11.30am > FULLY BOOKED

Slot 7: Wednesday 14th Oct @ 12.15pm to 2.30pm

A dedicated workshop for Home Educated families will take place on Thurs 15th October, tickets to be released in September!

Winter Showcase

A special day of activities will take place on Saturday 5th December, to unveil the new exhibition of invention ideas brought to life, which will stay open at the Lit & Phil during the winter holidays - so mark your diaries!