There seems to be a real resurgence of book reading, particularly among our kids. A device might be fun but there’s nothing to match the joy in the escapism of a good book. The CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL in Cardiff returns next month and once again is encouraging budding bookworms to have fun with books.
One of my greatest joys was sitting with my lad, on a horrible rainy day, picking out a book and reading it together. Okay, so these were the days before a billion TV channels, smartphones and a whole range of electronic devices. Somehow however, sitting together with a proper book, that you can thumb through, turn the page back and forward, and point at words you need to focus on, seems so much better with a real book. When have you ever heard anyone say ‘don’t put your fingerprints on that book.’
The award-winning family festival will once again bring together an exciting and inspiring programme of events in both English and Welsh, presented by popular children’s authors and illustrators. It’s taking place on one jam-packed weekend (25th and 26th April) in various locations across the city. This is your chance to take your kids and spend the day with them at the festival.
The festival is an exciting, annual event aimed predominantly at children from ages 3-12. Since 2013, the festival’s goal has been help create lifelong readers and so, each year they put together a packed programme of authors, illustrators and workshops to entertain and enthuse young people about reading.
Held across one weekend, the festival takes place at various prominent locations in Cardiff’s city centre. Events include writing workshops, book readings, craft activities, quizzes and games and the occasional appearance of a character or two!
It would be impossible for us to mention everything that is going on, but a few of the highlights include…..
- Writing for Children and Getting Published
- Joseph Coelho introduces Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter
- Join Will Millard to help the Squirrel find her Lost Nuts
- Dare to be brilliant with magician Mat Ricardo
There are plenty of Welsh language session too, including….
- Mira a’r Trip Ysgol with Luned Aaron
- Bach a Mawr with Luned Aaron
- Storytime with S4C’s Parc Glan Gwil
- Dirgelwch y Defaid with debut author Endaf Griffiths
To see all the events on offer go HERE.
Packed with hands-on workshops, interactive performances and confidence-building activities from award-winning writers including current Children’s Laureate for Wales, Nicola Davies and former UK Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, the festival invites young audiences to create, question and discover, as well as read.
Across the festival, children will be encouraged to get involved: solving puzzles, asking questions, designing space missions, creating magical new creatures, drawing alongside illustrators and inventing their own stories. From codebreaking adventures with The Week Junior to building cosmic jewellery with Cosmic Cadets and the Bubblegum Bots author Ryan Crawford, events are designed to spark curiosity, teamwork and imagination.
Young readers can join live draw-alongs with much-loved illustrators, explore emotions through imaginative writing workshops, or discover the power of self-expression in events that celebrate individuality and confidence, such as Be Normal with Ged Adamson (author of Being Normal) and Dare to be Brilliant, with magician and author of the ‘The Magic in You, Mat Ricardo.
Aimed at children aged 3-12, the festival runs in venues across Cardiff city centre from Monday 20th April – Sunday 26th April, with free sessions for schools taking place on weekdays and public events at the weekend.
There is so much on offer for primary-aged children. From picture book authors and story-time sessions for younger children to mystery, crime and comedy for more experienced readers. Science, nature and the environment are also strong themes, in fact, if you can read it you can enjoy it at the festival.
The CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL is on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April. Tickets are on sale now. You can see a full list of events, and get yours HERE.
