Ilkley Literature Festival is inviting families to their children’s weekend featuring bestselling authors, drop-in story-telling extravaganzas, free face painting and the chance to write your own stories.
Erica Morris, Director of Ilkley Literature Festival, said: “A love of reading can spark at any age, but there’s a special joy and significance that the books we read as children bring to our lives – leaving a legacy long after we turn that final page.
"We’re looking forward to igniting that love of storytelling, writing and reading within children this October with a weekend of imagination run wild, conjuring up everything from SuperPets to human heroes, and haunted farms to mermaid-mayhem.”
On Saturday, October 19, Leeds-based author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst will unlock your inner sports star in her action-packed event.
She will tell stories of women sports stars with exciting quizzes, dress up and drawing.
Families can also drop in from 3pm before Pankhurst’s event at the King’s Hall to take part in sports star activities, all presented in partnership with Ilkley Clip ‘N Climb.
Sunday, October 20 is children’s day at the Clarke Foley Centre, presented in partnership with Bradford Grammar School.
A treasure trove of activities for every budding bookworm will take place throughout the day.
Rachel Morrisroe, bestselling author of the popular ‘How to Grow Magic’ series will treat children to a magical morning with her new book How to Grow a Mermaid before an afternoon of laughter and silly superhero antics with Supersausage to the Rescue!
Things take a suitably spooky turn so close to Halloween as Sophie Kirtley transports us to the wild Irish mountains of her latest adventure The Haunting of Fortune Farm. Explore the secrets of the Vikings and learn how to craft your own ghost story.
Test your mettle in the afternoon with bestselling children’s author Sam Copeland. He will discuss his new fantasy series Alex vs Axel: The Impossible Quests, exploring how bravery comes in many forms and holding a hilarious Battle of the Heroes quiz.
Enjoy free face painting as well as two free drop-in activities: Story Bees autumnal storytelling session, filled with creative and sensory activities to bring stories to life for ages 0-5, and the free Mysteries and Marvels drop-in, where children aged 6+ are invited to discover how to write their own mystery story – complete with clues, suspects, heroes, and villains.
BSL interpretation will also be available at selected children’s events on Sunday, October 20.
Ilkley Literature Festival runs October 4 to 20 in venues across the town.
Ring the box office on 01943 816714 or book online at ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
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