Stars from the world of children’s literature are heading to St Austell this June, as the town prepares to host its third annual Festival of Children’s Literature.
Taking place over two days, the 13th and 14th of June, the festival promises a packed programme of fun, engaging, and book-themed events designed especially for children up to the age of twelve.
Among the exciting line-up are celebrated authors, illustrators, poets, and TV personalities, including S.F. Said, Laura Ellen Anderson, CBBC’s Dr James Greenwood, Tom McLaughlin, Alex Falase-Koya, Sue Hendra, Cath Howe, Anika Hussain, Jim Smith — and many more besides!
Every ticket to the Family Day – on Saturday, 14th June – is priced at £1.00, to ensure that all children can take part in the festival, and the love of reading can be shared with everyone.
The day is open to everyone and is hosted in various venues across St Austell, which will come alive with interactive readings, talks, workshops, storytelling sessions, and creative activities. Festival attendees can look forward to captivating performances and events inspired by their favourite books and stories, alongside a buzzing festival hub hosting author signings and a children’s bookshop.
Midnight Marnie creator Anderson will introduce her world of magical minibeasts while, Hendra, co-creator of Supertato, will take families on an interactive veggie adventure where they’ll hear fun stories and even create their own veggie superhero.
Pankhurst will help unleash your inner inventor, while Marv author Falase-Koya and illustrator Bowles will deliver an action-packed session full of superhero creativity, with Smith going up against May to decide which of their poo-themed novels is the best.
The Schools Day returns on the Friday, (13th June), where participating schools have a chance to hear from some of their favourite authors such as Channel 4’s Fur Babies presenter, Dr Greenwood, Skandar author A.F. Steadman and Heartbreaker author, Hussain.
The festival kicks off with a special event for local teachers, with notable author and speaker Said, who is behind the beloved and bestselling Varjak Paw series and Tyger. He will deliver a talk about the benefits of reading for pleasure in schools and how it can make a difference to the outcomes of the young people they teach.
Simon Pollard, Headteacher and Festival Director, said: “We’re thrilled to bring another Children’s Literature Festival to St Austell after the brilliant success of last year. We’re inviting schools, educators, children and families from across Cornwall and the South West to explore the exciting world of children’s books.
“With a range of activities, stories, and workshops it’s the perfect opportunity to inspire a love of reading and enhance literacy in our local community. Reading is a powerful tool that contributes to improved educational outcomes and the personal development of young people.
“Our wonderful festival will help make reading for pleasure more accessible to all children and families by bringing a stellar cast of children’s literature creatives into the region.”
David Pooley, Town Clerk, added: “I am delighted that the Town Council has agreed to support the Literacy Festival once again this year. This initiative compliments all the good work that St Austell Library and local schools do to raise literacy levels and encourage the enjoyment of reading.
“We wish Simon and his team every success with this event and hope that families will take advantage of the opportunity to meet the amazing authors that are coming to St Austell.”
Aims of the Festival
· Empower Children: Foster a love of reading that contributes to improved educational outcomes and personal development.
· Strengthen Families: Provide opportunities for families to discover the joy of shared reading experiences.
· Build Community: Create a network of readers, educators, and creative professionals who are united in the belief that reading changes lives
Tickets are available now via www.staustellfestivalofchildrensliterature.com.
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