It was ten years ago when a couple, passionate about children and books launched a new event. Georgette McCready looks at the success of Bath Children’s Literature Festival, now the largest of its kind in the country…
A decade ago I sat, notebook and pen in hand, as an enthusiastic couple came to tell us that they were about to launch a fresh festival in Bath, centred on children and children’s books. We chatted about their extensive knowledge of the publishing world and of some of the authors and illustrators they knew who would happily come to Bath to share their love of getting young people excited about reading.
As John and Gill McLay – for it was they with this plan for a children’s literature festival – left our offices a colleague and I looked at each other and wondered, cynically, whether this was going to be a five minute wonder.
It’s a good job I didn’t promise to eat my hat or I’d be choking on my cream wool beret as the McLays triumphantly announce the programme for the 2016 Bath Children’s Literature Festival, which runs from 1 – 9 October.
The couple, who live in Bath with their children, are still as passionate and genuinely delighted with the festival as they’ve ever been. As Gill revealed some of the big name authors who are coming to the south west this October her eyes were bright with excitement. This year the festival is running without the sponsorship of the Daily Telegraph, but instead has teamed up with children’s newspaper First News.
She said: “All we really need to make it a great festival are families and children. It’s going to be such a great tenth anniversary.”
Here are some of the highlights:
– David Walliams, whose children’s books have won him legions of fans, is coming to the Forum, where he’ll talk about his career and his popular books.
– Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield will launch his new book, The Darkest Dark and talk about how he became an astronaut.
– Former children’s laureate author Malorie Blackman will be in conversation with radio presenter and author Simon Mayo in which they will discuss their books and young adult literature.
– War Horse creator and family-favourite Michael Morpurgo will be back in Bath talking about his latest book.
– Chris Riddell, author of the Goth Girl series, will give a talk about his role as the current children’s laureate and answer questions from his young fans – through live drawing.
– Team GB’s most successful Olympic athlete and cyclist, Chris Hoy, will introduce his new series of books for young readers, Flying Fergus.
– TV presenter and wildlife champion Chris Packham will recall many animal stories as well as talk about his first book, Amazing Animal Journeys.
– Broadcaster and author Clare Balding will talk about her first book for children, The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop.
– Comedian, entertainer and writer Julian Clary will team up with illustrator David Roberts to introduce their new book in The Bolds series.
– Historian and author Lucy Worsley will bring Tudor times to life with her novel Eliza Rose. The book explores the life of Katherine Howard and Henry VIII’s court through the eyes of the maid of honour, Eliza Rose.
– Illustrator Axel Scheffler will do live drawing and storytelling based on family favourites such as Stick Man and Superworm.
– The Dragon’s Dentist by Tom Morris, adapted from the book by festival artistic director John McLay, will be brought to life as a play at the Mission Theatre by Next Stage production.
– The Kids Big Bath Read returns. The book under review will be Hamish by Danny Wallace and illustrated by Jamie Littler.
– A series of masterclasses offering pop-up book making, Doctor Who story writing, collage making and tips on how to become a journalist.
Look out for events, activities and competitions to celebrate the 10th anniversary, including the arrival of the CBeebies Radio Bus. It looks as if the mighty McLays have done it again and are poised for another season of entertaining, enthralling and inspiring young readers.
Tickets for some of these events will sell out fast. Keep in touch with what’s going on via the Bath Festivals Facebook page and on Twitter @Bathfestivals.
Main image: David Walliams, Lucy Worsley, Clare Balding and Chris Hoy are coming to Bath.
The post All-star line-up for Bath Children’s Literature Festival appeared first on The Bath Magazine.