Barbican Centre, London

29 October 2024

 

Ignite your child's imagination during half term! 

Get ready to ignite your child's love for reading and embark on a day of imagination, adventure and storytelling at the prestigious Barbican Centre in London on Tuesday 29 October 2024. It's the perfect way to make the most of your half-term break. From captivating performances on our theatre-style stage from your favourite authors to interactive and immersive workshops that inspire and spark creativity.  

The festival will be a day to remember. 

 

Tickets to last year’s festival sold out weeks before - book NOW to avoid disappointment! 

 

What do your tickets include?

Choose from one of our four captivating main stage performances from our fantastic authors

One workshop of your choice. Dive even deeper in to the world of storytelling in these 60 minute-long interactive sessions. 

An opportunity to have your books signed at the meet and greet area*

A chance to browse our great partners and sponsors 

Personalised itinerary for your festival experience to ensure you make the most out of your day! 

**Please note that all authors from the line up will be signing books directly after their sessions for those who attended the session. This is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis and access to all authors cannot be guaranteed. There will be an opportunity to purchase books at the venue.

Incredible Main Stage line up 

Our main stage will come alive with captivating performances from your child's favourite authors, transporting them to enchanting worlds and introducing them to unforgettable characters. From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, there will be a wide range of stories to delight every young reader and allow their imagination to soar. 

Michael Rosen  + Christian Foley

Michael Rosen, beloved children’s author, poet, presenter, broadcaster, activist and national treasure returns to our main stage for session of family fun, poems and stories from his extraordinary career. Plus meet Christian Foley a writer, rapper and a teacher – all at once. Expect his trademark tongue-twisting rhymes and enjoy him bringing rap and hip-hop to the main stage! 

 

Joseph Coelho + Ashley Thorpe

See Joseph Coelho the former Waterstones Children’s Laureate live on our main stage. Join Joseph for an engaging session as he talks about some of his brilliant books, reads some of his wonderful poems and shares his fabulous 'Poetry Prompts'. Plus meet debut author Ashley Thorpe who works as an editor at Storymix, creating epic stories and diverse characters with other writers.

Cressida Cowell + Ramzee

Meet multi-million-copy selling, award-winning author (and former Children’s Laureate) Cressida Cowell. Cressida will introduce her newest books, talk about her inspiration and give writing and drawing tips. Her events are energetic and inspiring! Plus meet up-and-coming star, Ramzee, whose hilarious book The Cheat Book is one of Cressida’s picks of the year. Bring along your own sketchbook if you’d like her and Ramzee to take a look in the signing queue

A F Steadman + Alex Foulkes

A F Steadman is the globally best-selling author of the famous Skandar series. During this super interactive session you will hear about the latest book in the Skandar series, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse, and enjoy some special Skandar activities. Plus meet Alex Foulkes UK children's author, vampire writer, tea-lover, and ghostly spirit of a librarian. Dive into her world and discover more about her latest book Ministry of Mischief.

Highlights from last year's Festival