Calderdale Council is supporting the Pageturners children’s book festival – a new regional festival promoting reading amongst young people.
The Pageturners festival, which is the first of its kind in Calderdale, will launch on Friday 7 March with a World Book Day Quiz, followed by the official launch at the Central Library, Halifax on Saturday 8 March 2014.
There will then be a week full of events in schools, libraries and town halls, culminating in a spectacular finale at the University of Huddersfield on 15 March.
The idea of the festival is to immerse children and young people in fantastic literary events – providing opportunities to meet authors from all genres and age ranges. Each day of the festival will be packed full of fun and entertainment including storytelling, street theatre and workshops from a range of guest authors and storytellers.
The festival will be opened by the Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Ann Martin, at 10am on Saturday 8 March at the Central Children’s Library, Halifax, and will be followed by games and stories and a Treasure Trail down to the Eureka Children’s Museum in the town. The day is pirate themed and fancy dress is a must!
If you’re thinking of coming down you will be sure to enjoy a morning of sea-faring tales, pirate training, pirate pledges and Jolly Roger crafts. In addition to this, one lucky Buccaneer will win booty in the form of a Treasure Chest of wondrous prize loot! The event is free, but tickets should be booked to avoid disappointment, visit http://www.discover.ticketsource.co.uk/(external link) or call the Discover team on 01422 392619 to reserve your place.
The writers of tomorrow can develop their skills on Saturday 15 March as part of the Pageturners Plus programme – a workshop for youngsters who want to write, and write well! This writing workshop is aimed at children aged 12 and above and will be held at the Railway Station Education Centre, in St George’s Square, Huddersfield.
Pageturners Plus is an extra special day of writing and illustration guided by three authors, including Henrietta Bond, author of Control Freak. Tickets are £10 (£5 with a passport to leisure) and can be bought online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls(external link) or by calling 01484 223200. Places are limited and demand is expected to be high so book your place now.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Steve Sweeney, said:
“I’m really pleased that Calderdale is taking part in the Pageturners festival. This initiative is a great way of getting young people reading – encouraging everyone to use our fantastic libraries.
“There are loads of events going on, all across the borough, giving young people the chance to meet some of their favourite authors, and enjoy storytelling events; bringing books to life.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Megan Swift, said:
“The Pageturners festival is an amazing opportunity for children and young people in our region to celebrate the joy of reading through meeting so many authors and illustrators.
“I really hope people get involved to make the festival a great success.”
For a list of all the events taking place, and how to book, visit http://pageturners.hud.ac.uk/list,of,events/(external link)