Crime, comedy, science and nature are all on the reading list at the award-winning Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival, which is back in April, with a twist.
This year, as well as an inspiring programme of authors, illustrators and workshops the family festival also has an exciting new format – all the action will be squeezed into one jam-packed weekend at City Hall and the National Museum of Cardiff.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury said: “The Children’s Literature Festival is all about getting children excited about books and this year we wanted to focus on creating a real festival buzz.
“It doesn’t matter if your children are budding writers, fascinated by science and nature, love drawing, are just learning to read, or are already hooked on books – the festival is a great way for them to be inspired by some of the nation’s best-loved authors. And with the format for 2020 including a new festival hub in City Hall, it’s now even easier for families to spend the day together, exploring the world of books.”
The festival, which runs from 25th– 26thApril and hosts sessions for Welsh and English speakers, includes appearances from Kes Gray, Benji Davies, Zeb Soames and James Mayhew.
Primary-aged children can enjoy picture book authors Kate Hindley, Lilo Maddocks, Matt Carr and, for the very youngest, Elmer Storytime. Older readers with a taste for crime will enjoy hearing from Sharna Jackson, author of ‘High Rise Mystery’, or if it’s all about the laughs then comedy will be on hand with author of ‘The Wrong Pong” and the ‘The Diary of Dennis The Menace’ series, Steven Butler.
Science, nature and the environment will be explored by inspiring authors such as Meleri Wyn James, Lily Dyu and RSPB President Miranda Krestovnikoff.
Workshops where children can get ‘hands on’ are a big part of the festival experience – kids can grab their white coat and goggles with Hot and Cold Science, or learn to make their very own Gromit, or Shaun the Sheep with Aardman Animations’ model makers. Young writers will be spellbound as award-winning author Michelle Harrison shares the ideas that inspired her books in a creative writing workshop. Huw Aaron will also be at festival, teaching fledgling illustrators how to create and draw amazing cityscapes.
In-between the ticketed author events and workshop sessions the new festival hub is the perfect place for parents to relax with a coffee while the kids take part in free craft activities, chill out in the Cardiff Libraries Reading Corner, or discover why ducks waddle and other amazing facts in the giant RSPB nest.
All the books featured will be on sale in the festival bookshop and many authors will be signing books and meeting visitors following their talks.
Discounted family tickets and special offers for those attending multiple sessions are now available to help families take full advantage of the festival. Sessions for schools are available in the week prior to the festival weekend.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.cardiffkidslitfest.com
