Avid young readers can rejoice as Wokingham Childrens Book Festival returns this autumn.
Taking place on the 19 and 20 October the festival follows on from the success of last years debut event. This year is set to be bigger and better than before, with even more authors, illustrators and inspirational story tellers lined up to get everyone excited about books and the creative processes behind writing.
Over the weekend, both Wokingham Town Council and Wokingham library will have over 20 author and illustrator led interactive workshops designed to ignite imaginations and raise a laugh or three.
It’s not just little ones who are invited to join in the fun. There are in fact great workshops designed for teenagers too! Spoken word poet, Matt Abbott, will be on hand to deliver his interactive workshop ‘Poems for when your phone dies’. You may be familiar with his work from the recent Nationwide TV advert.
Whether you are; a budding writer, interested in developing characters, a bit of a poet, a fan of picture books or simply love illustration, then the Wokingham Children’s Book Festival will have something for you. With award winning authors on hand such as Holly Webb, Tony Bradman and James Carter you know you will have a good time.
Further information is available at www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/bookfest where you can take a look at what’s on offer and book your places today.
Cllr. Sally Gurney, Chairman Arts and Culture Committee, Wokingham Town Council, said: “I was delighted when the idea of running our own Book Festival came to the Arts & Culture committee last year.
"As a child, I was an absolute bookworm - regularly checking out 12 books at a time 2 or 3 times a week from my local library. I went on grand adventures, explored space, spied on foreign countries, rode dragons, solved mysteries, discovered hidden treasures, rode emotional rollercoasters, fell in love, forged lifelong friendships - and outside the pages, my imagination soared and my world expanded.
"An opportunity to meet ones literary heroes is an excitement not to be missed. Even now, I can point to the signed books on my shelves, and tell you all about the time I met the author, what they were like, what we talked about.
"Being able to be even a small part of bringing this joy, this ever-expanding world of endless possibilities, to young people in my town is wonderful.
"There will be stories, there will be talks there will be workshops, there will be games, there will be books, and there will be authors! All we need now is the audience...”
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, Wokingham Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the children’s book festival back and I am really pleased to see that we can offer even more sessions for all our children to enjoy.
"This year Wokingham Borough libraries are filled even more with wonderful books to explore and we’ve got some fantastic authors and illustrators coming along to offer a really unique experience for our children to take advantage of. I am sure the children and families will enjoy hearing the authors speak about their work and appreciate the opportunity to buy signed copies of their books afterwards. With over 20 sessions, there should be something for everyone to enjoy.”
All you need to know
•Workshops will be held at two locations in Wokingham: Wokingham Library or Wokingham Town Hall.
•Each workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes
•Each workshop needs to be booked in advance. Under 12’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
•Workshops are £3 per person
•Spaces are limited so allocated on a first come first served basis.
•You may book as many workshops as you like
•Booking is online, or for those who do not have access to online booking, bookings can be made at Wokingham library.
•Each workshop is followed by a book signing and we are pleased to announce that WHSmiths will be our official bookseller with stalls at each venue.
•Workshops are aimed at different age groups and the content managed accordingly.
•All venues are fully accessible.
