A THREE-day family festival celebrating children’s books, illustration and poetry is to take place early next month.
A host of activities has been lined up for the event, the first of its kind in the dale, which has been organised by the TCR Hub and will be staged from March 4-6.
Visitors can enjoy a Book Fest Trail… Into the Secret Garden, featuring the art of pupils from Gainford, Cotherstone, Butterknowle, Bowes Hutchinson and Cockfield Primary Schools.
Volunteers from The Hub’s Making Memories group and Family Social Club are helping to create a soundscape of the books that have been important to children through the generations.
Members of The Castle Players will tell Tales from the Dales for a story sharing evening.
Master storyteller and children’s author Richard O’Neill aims to answer the question: Do grandparents have all the best stories? in a session of funny northern stories for those aged nine months to 99.
He will then lead a creative writing session for adults who are interested in writing children’s books.
Tyneside-based Bangladeshi poet Tahmina Ali is headlining a “Poetry Wham” – a poetry open mic for young people and everyone else to share their own poems, or those that they love by other people.
There are plans for Ms Ali to run a poetry workshop with students from Teesdale School.
Children’s author and illustrator Liz Million will show a workshop for children and families how to create loads of cool cartoon characters and crazy critters.
A World Book Day parade is planned for 1pm on Saturday, March 5 – with outfits available from a costume exchange which has already been set up at The Hub
In other events, Brightwoods Forest School will offer young children the chance to go on a Gruffalo walk, inspired by Julia Donaldson’s classic story.
The Tall Tales group, based in Gainford, are bringing a thrilling new mystery to the grounds of The Hub when actors will bring Murder by the Book to life.
Based in 1926 and inspired by Agatha Christie it is suitable for those aged eight and older.
There will be a Peter Pan high ropes session plus Swallows and Amazons canoeing adventure, both led by The Hub’s Jonny Elliott.
Harry Potter fans can head to the drama workshops when Rupert Philbrick will bring to life J K Rowling’s magical series.
A second-hand book market will boost funds for the likes of the Friends of the Richardson Hospital and The Witham.
There will be crafts and a digital library to enjoy for older children and young people, called Books without Covers.
Sarah Gent, family activities co-ordinator at The Hub, said: “We can’t wait to welcome families to the first TCR Book Fest, with a feast of great fun activities, events and happenings.
“From the activities we have already run – illustration workshops in schools and story sharing sessions with older people and families – it is already shaping up to be a wonderful festival. Come, find out what’s happening and get involved. We look forward to seeing you there.”
The festival is fully funded, but some activities must be booked in advance. For details and times of all events go to www.tcrhub.co.uk.
