*Updated 24th February 2026 – initially published on 4th March 2025*
World Book Day UK 2026 will be held on 5th March. This year, Book Day is even more important than before, as 2026 is the National Year of Reading. The theme is Reading for Fun.
What is World Book Day in the UK and Ireland?
World Book Day UK is a local anticipation of the international World Book Day (April 23). In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is a charity event in which pupils are offered vouchers to exchange for books. The date has been changed there because April 23 is often during the Easter holidays, and it is mostly celebrated in schools. On this day, children go to school dressed up as their favourite characters and have fun with reading activities. The goal is to promote reading for pleasure. Last year’s theme was Read Your Way, but in 2026, the focus is on Reading for Fun.
