Europe’s largest stand-alone children’s book festival, the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, will return this September with a host of events for young people of all ages.
Rod Biddulph at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival | Photo © Bath Festivals
The festival returns to the city with a number of big stars, including Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, creator of the How to Train Your Dragon and Wizards of Once series.
Irish comedian David O’Doherty will also make a welcome return to the festival with his new novel, The Summer I Robbed a Bank.
Actor Stephen Mangan has teamed up with his illustrator sister Anita Mangan to create a fast-paced action novel for nine to 12-year-old readers. Escape the Rooms is described as ‘where The Crystal Maze meets Alice in Wonderland.’
Illustrators Steven Lenton (Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam series) and Dapo Adeola (Look Up! and Clean Up!) will bring their new characters and drawings to Bath (Dapo has illustrated a new picture book by Malorie Blackman), while #DrawWithRob internet sensation Rob Biddulph will lead a draw-along event for all the family inspired by his action-packed book Monster Madness and new middle grade adventure Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City.
Joining the festival for the first time are sporting stars from Bath Rugby, bringing a sporty event based on the book Rampaging Rugby. Also for active kids is the nation’s favourite PE teacher and global fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks with his creations The Burpee Bears.
Ian Stockley, CEO of Bath Festivals said: “Our programmers have read hundreds of books to select the most exciting and stimulating events for this year’s festival. Our aim, as always, is to entertain and enrich curious young minds.
“I for one can’t wait to hear the joyful sound of children’s laughter filling some of Bath’s biggest venues. It will also be interesting to be part of stimulating conversations around issues important to young adults.”
For the first time, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute in Queen Square is playing a part in the children’s book festival.
It will open its doors to families for a day-long series of drop-in sessions on Saturday 2nd October, giving young paleontologists an opportunity to explore items from the institute’s globally renowned collections.
There will also be a special book corner in The Forum Coffee House to drop into between events for book themed pop-up sessions.
Tickets go on general release on Friday 30th July. Members who sign up at www.bathfestivals.org.uk/support-us are able to get priority booking from Tuesday 27 July.
