The English Literature Student Association (HMPS-SI) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga successfully organized the 2026 Literature Festival (LitFest), consisting of the Storytelling and Singing Competition and its grand finale, LitNight. Promoting creativity and English language proficiency, the event served as a platform for students to showcase their talents and skills in the fields of language and performing arts.

The series of events began with LitFest, held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Theatrical Room, 1st Floor, Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The event took place from 08:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and carried the theme “Igniting Imagination Through Sound and Story.”

LitFest featured two competition categories, the Storytelling Competition and the Singing Competition, both open to university and school students. The event aimed to enhance participants’ speaking abilities, nurture their talents and creativity in English, and provide a platform for artistic expression and achievement.

The program began with participant registration, followed by the opening ceremony and welcoming remarks, competition preparations, storytelling and singing performances, a feedback session from the judges, and the closing ceremony. The storytelling competition was judged by Febriyanti Dwiratna Lestari, S.S., M.Hum., while the singing competition was judged by Ade Wira Sanjaya, S.Pd. Both judges possess expertise and experience in their respective fields, enabling them to provide objective evaluations and constructive feedback to the participants.

As the culmination of the Literature Festival series, HMPS-SI organized LitNight on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Gelanggang Teater Eska, UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The event, which took place from the afternoon until the evening, carried the theme “A Night of Timeless Tales.”

In addition to enjoying the various performances presented throughout the event, visitors also had the opportunity to explore the Art Exhibition featuring artworks created by English Literature students. The exhibition served as a platform for students to express their creativity through paintings, each of which conveyed its own unique meaning and philosophy. The presence of the exhibition enriched the LitNight experience by providing a space for the appreciation of students’ artistic works.

LitNight also served as a celebration and entertainment event featuring a variety of performances by students of the English Literature Study Program. One of the highlights of the evening was a theatrical performance entitled The Lottery, presented by the Class of 2025. The event was further enlivened by dance performances, a live band performance, and a promotional session for Pandora.

In addition to showcasing students’ creativity, LitNight also served as the award ceremony for the winners of the Storytelling Competition and Singing Competition held the previous week. Therefore, LitNight functioned not only as an evening of entertainment but also as a celebration of the participants’ achievements and dedication.

Through the organization of the 2026 Literature Festival, HMPS-SI hopes to continue providing a space for students to develop their English language skills, express their creativity, and build self-confidence through various artistic and cultural activities.(SNJ/SUF/NNS/DNI)