Richard O’Neill and Michelle Russell to Reunite at Carlisle Culture Bazaar in May 2025.

Acclaimed authors Richard O’Neill and Michelle Russell are set to make a highly anticipated appearance at the Carlisle Culture Bazaar in May 2025. This marks a full-circle moment for the duo, who first embarked on a creative journey at the Bazaar in 2020 that has left a lasting impact on readers and communities across the UK.  Since joining forces, O’Neill and Russell have authored a series of books and projects that
celebrate diverse cultures and amplify underrepresented voices. Their works have been embraced by schools, libraries, and organisations, inspiring children and educators alike.

A Legacy of Storytelling: Notable Works & Projects

  •  The Show Must Go On (Pearson): The first authentic chapter book about the
    Showman community. Its immense popularity led to a reprint after Future4Fairgrounds and other organisations bought out the initial run to distribute
    copies to schools.
  • The Brilliant Barber Bus (HarperCollins, 2023): A heart-warming tale following Brodie and his Traveller grandparents as they bring their mobile barber service to life, highlighting themes of family, tradition, and resilience.
  • Chester and the King (2024): An eagerly awaited new release, further cementing the duo’s reputation for crafting meaningful and inclusive children’s literature.

Beyond their books, O’Neill and Russell co-founded “Trails of Tales that Travel,” a community publishing initiative dedicated to empowering storytellers from all backgrounds. Their work extends to schools, charities, and businesses, ensuring that stories from all walks of life are heard and celebrated.
Michelle Russell, also the creator of “The Activity Bus,” continues to champion educational projects that provide creative learning opportunities for young readers.
Reflecting on their journey, Richard O’Neill, shared, “It’s incredible to see these books in the hands of readers around the world, to hear their feedback, and to know we’re making a difference through storytelling.”

Join Them at the Carlisle Culture Bazaar!

Visitors to the Carlisle Culture Bazaar in May will have the chance to engage with both authors through storytelling workshops, book signings, and interactive discussions on their collaborative projects. This is an unmissable event for literature lovers, educators, and anyone passionate about inclusive storytelling.
For more details, visit:

Multicultural Cumbria

https://richardthestoryteller.weebly.com
www.theactivitybus.co.uk