Bath Festivals, organisers of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, have announced the cancellation of this year’s event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Cressida Cowell at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival in 2019 | Photo © Bath Festivals
In a statement, Bath Festivals said: “The continuing concern and uncertainty about the spread of the Coronavirus and what this means for social distancing and best hygiene practices means that we cannot risk the health of our authors, illustrators, interviewers, audience, staff, volunteers, sponsors and the community.
“We had hoped that we could work with our venue partners to safely open in the autumn but the uncertainty around whether this will be possible and the advanced logistical planning needed to put on our events has led us to our decision.
“We are so very disappointed; we were hugely excited about the line-up of wonderful children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers for this year’s Festival and are so sorry not to be able to welcome them to Bath this year.”
Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell had been brought on board as guest curator for this year’s festival.
Organisers say they are now working in collaboration with new and existing partners on developing a festival experience that is virtual and interactive.
Speaking about the virtual festival, Bath Festivals said: “Plans are at an early stage, but we are working to bring a small programme of carefully curated content that is original, inspiring and engaging for schools and families, who may still be at home, to run close to the usual Bath Children’s Literature Festival dates.
“It will be accessible and inclusive and will be fronted by our guest curator, Cressida Cowell and themed around her Waterstones Children’s Laureate Charter.”
With the cancellation of the Bath Festival and the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath Festivals have launched a fundraising appeal to ensure it survives for future generations. Donations can be made here.
