Favourite children’s authors and illustrators will be heading to South Tyneside this weekend (18 Nov) for the grand finale of a major event.
The Northern Children’s Book Festival will end its two-week run in real style – with a day packed with activities held at the perfect location – The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, South Shields.
The Gala Day, which takes place between 10am and 5pm, will include a range of free, fun, family orientated activities, along with the opportunity to meet many celebrated children’s authors and illustrators. There will also be sessions in St Hilda’s Church, opposite The Word.
Nick Sharratt, author of Supermarket Zoopermarket, There May Be A Castle writer Piers Torday and Vivian French, MBE who has written almost 300 books, are just a handful of those who will be taking part in the day.
Other authors and illustrators confirmed include Korky Paul, The 2 Steves, Ian Whybrow, Steve Webb and Chris Mould along with Dan Smith, Adam Bushnell, Liz Million, Holly Sterling and Kate Fox.
The event – which is aimed at youngsters aged between four and 13 – is the culmination of a fortnight-long programme in schools and libraries across the region, aimed at creating a love and passion for literature and reading.
Tania Robinson, Head of Marketing and Culture for The Word: National Centre for the Written Word said she was delighted that the Gala Day was being held in South Shields.
“As the National Centre for the Written Word, The Word is the perfect location to celebrate the world of children’s books,” she said.
“The event offers a great opportunity to meet face to face with some much-loved writers and for young people to get involved in a whole host of activities, from storytelling to crafts.
“We think it is going to be an amazing day and we hope lots of youngsters will come along and take part.”
Tickets for author and storytelling session on the day are free but must be booked in advance, with a number of drop in storytelling sessions also available.
There is a small charge for artist workshops and performance-led storytelling sessions being held in Storyworld.
Further information is available at http://theworduk.org/whats-on/northern-childrens-book-festival-gala-day/
For more information about The Word, call 0191 427 1818 email enquiries@theworduk.org or visitwww.theworduk.org.