LEEDS BIG BOOKEND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME

[Image: ‘Mariella Mystery Investigates the Curse of the Pampered Poodle’ with Kate Pankhurst (5-8yrs, 8^th June)]

 

Back in April, The State of the Arts caught up with Fiona Gell who told us all about the next Big Bookend Festival, happening in June (read April’s feature HERE).

The Big Bookend, Leeds’ very own Rock Festival for Words, is back for a third year and will celebrate literature and creativity across Leeds. The Festival is set to include panel events, author talks, performances and live music from writers, poets, musicians and performers from Leeds and beyond.

During Children’s Book Week 2014 (12-18^th May), the Leeds Big Bookend officially announced its Children’s Programme. Designed to inspire children to read for fun, the festival is packed full of workshops, author events, storytelling and fun for all the family. As well as illustration competitions, a dressing up wardrobe, a graffiti artist and a ‘create your own adventure story’ island, here are some of the exciting events we can expect from the Children’s Programme…

On the 7th and 8th June, the Leeds Church Institute (opposite Leeds’ Corn Exchange) will be transformed into a world of imagination and adventure. Children can take part inhands on workshops with their favourite authors, include Jason Beresford (The Fabulous Four Fish Fingers), Emma Barnes (Wild Thing – the naughtiest little sister ever), Kate Pankhurst (Mariella Mystery investigates the Curse of the Pampered Poodle), David Harmer (It Came from Outer Space) and Irene Lofthouse (Captain Redhand’s Adventures).

In the Big Bookend’s Storytelling Yurt, young explorers will be transported into the world of Felicity Fly (Christina Gabbitas), find themselves on an arctic adventure with Art and Luca (Emma Buckee) and experience the oral folklore of Africa with Githanda Githae.

“There’s so much creativity in Leeds. So many fantastic children’s authors are connected to the city. It’s great to be able to encourage the next generation, inspiring them with the idea that reading can be fun! The Leeds Big Bookend Festival is a wonderful opportunity to meet authors, hear them read, ask questions and create your own stories!”

Children’s author and Big Bookend competition judge, Daniel Ingram-Brown

For more information on this year’s Big Bookend Festival and for a full list of events, visit www.bigbookend.co.uk

 

Kate’s pick:

The Big Bookend Storytelling Yurt – 7^th & 8^th June 12-4pm

Meet some of your favourite authors and enjoy a mixture of mysterious & adventurous stories, readings and songs.

Ticket price: Included in £3 child’s ticket (£5 weekend) adults go free