AN EXCITING day of book-themed activities including a treasure hunt, author talks and special guest appearances are all in store at Stockton Book Fair this weekend.
From 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17 June, the specialist market will offer an array of free activities on Stockton High Street and at Stockton Central Library for the whole family to enjoy as part of Crossing the Tees Book Festival.
With a ‘sweet and candy’ theme, Stockton Book Fair will feature author sessions and workshops with children’s best seller Cathy Cassidy who writes The Chocolate Box series, author illustrator Suz Hughes, and winner of Stockton Children’s Book of the Year 2017, Tamsin Cooke.
The event begins at 10am at the marquee on Stockton High Street where a costumed character will arrive to delight young children. Stockton Town Centre’s array of high street chain and independent shops along with a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants means there’s plenty for all ages on offer.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Leisure, said: “Booklovers of all ages are in for a treat at Stockton Book Fair this Saturday with Stockton Central Library and the High Street brimming with activities.
“The fair is part of our year round programme of family friendly events based in and around Stockton High Street and is a wonderful opportunity to meet some excellent authors and discover new books. The packed schedules means there is fun for adults and children alike, including Skype author sessions, an exciting treasure hunt and even the chance to meet Truly Scrumptious from Ian Fleming’s novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
DRAKE – The Bookshop on Silver Street will be running Skype sessions throughout the day featuring readings from well-known children’s authors including Chae Strathie, Bethan Woollvin and special guest, Drew Daywalt. Follow @drakebookshop on Twitter for updates and timings.
And as part of the book fair, book lovers and budding authors can also join independent fiction publisher Choc Lit for an afternoon of fun as part of their country-wide library tour. The Choc Lit workshops, which cost just £5, offer the chance to meet local authors and hear about their writing journeys, quizzes and games to take part in, new and exciting books to discover and the opportunity for budding writers to pitch a manuscript to a Choc Lit editor.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/bookfestival