Festival set to bring books to life

Bringing books to life with a cast of fun characters is the theme of Bookfeast, the annual festival for Oxfordshire primary school children.
St Hughs principal Dame Elish Angiolini QC with authors Jo Cotterill, and Cas Lester and pupils from St AloysiusSt Hughs principal Dame Elish Angiolini QC with authors Jo Cotterill, and Cas Lester and pupils from St Aloysius
St Hughs principal Dame Elish Angiolini QC with authors Jo Cotterill, and Cas Lester and pupils from St Aloysius

Now in its seventh year, the event, from May 16 to 19, was created by the Oxfordshire charity Bookfeast, to inspire both keen and reluctant child readers.

The programme is taking place at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, which is due to welcome 2,000 children from schools all over Oxfordshire.

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A launch event was held last month for children from nearby St Aloysius Primary School with local authors Jo Cotterill and Cas Lester.

They are set to join a line-up of 20 top authors and illustrators, including Michel Rosen, Abi Elphinstone, M.G. Leonard, Tom Moorhouse, Piers Torday, Clare Vulliamy, Polly Faber and Gary Northfield.

Bookfeast director Angie Prysor-Jones said: “We are extremely grateful that St Hugh’s College will host our annual event for the first time.

“This gives the children the opportunity to hear and meet some of the best children’s authors writing today.”

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Author Cas Lester, who will be talking about her character Nixie, the bad, bad fairy, said: “I’m tremendously excited to be taking part in this year’s Bookfeast. St Hugh’s is the perfect place to hold a children’s literary festival.”

Jo Cotterill, author of the superhero series Electrigirl, said: “I can’t wait to be part of this fantastic festival.”

Children attending will take part in workshops and create their own special character in a creative writing trail around the gardens. They will also be able to buy books and have them signed at the Blackwell’s stall.

Tickets can only be booked via primary schools. The home schooled can contact Bookfeast direct at www.bookfeast.net

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