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Big Story Festival at IWM London

Bring the family along to a fun-filled festival celebrating the art of storytelling. With something for children of all ages, enjoy free drop-in sessions, inspiring talks from favourite authors, guided tours of IWM London’s galleries, and arts and crafts workshops where you can make something to take home.

The festival's themes are inspired by the Childhood in War exhibition, open until 28 February 2027. This is the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to the impact of conflict on young people from the First World War to today. 


Childhood in War
31 July 2026 to 28 February 2027
IWM London

Free event

" ★★★★ – Celebrate children's resilience and creativity "
- The Telegraph

Childhood in War is a free, interactive exhibition exploring how children have experienced conflict from 1914 to the present day. Let their unique perspective show you their adaptability and resilience, despite extraordinary and challenging circumstances.

Bring history to life as you step inside recreations of an evacuee train carriage and a Cold War-era kitchen, offering a glimpse into everyday life during times of conflict. Through personal stories, immersive displays and hands-on discovery, you can explore how war affects everything from school and play to home and health. Young visitors can also enjoy a literary trail inspired by much-loved children’s books. 

This free exhibition can be enjoyed by both adults and children, and is recommended for those 8+, with younger children also welcome to explore.