March was a busy month for our outreach programme with both our creative writing challenge and annual Schools Fest reaching over 2000 children across Northumberland. We started out in Cramlington Learning Village with author Guy Bass to announce the winners of our writing challenge. Guy treated the students to an entertaining talk and a reading of some of the winning stories. We had an impossible task choosing as everyone who entered showed vivid imagination and hugely creative writing skills. Guy then headed into schools across the county to share his latest book and his always entertaining show which was hugely popular with students and staff alike.
Next, our Schools Fest was underway with eight authors entertaining young people in Queen’s Hall, Hexham Abbey and schools. Our festival reached students from early years right through to high school and every session provided laughs, questions and inspiration. Students left clutching signed books and talking about the stories and worlds they wanted to create.
This year we were joined by middle grade author Zohra Nabi and Moira Buffin, who shared the first book in her new YA trilogy. The Brother’s McLeod shared their illustration skills and younger readers enjoyed a storytelling and craft session with Cath Hodson creating their own wobbler. We spent a full day immersed in picture books with Debi Gliori and Alastair Chisholm before rounding off the week with a hugely entertaining visit from Sophy Henn and a school visit by Joseph Coelho for his middle grade book.
We’ve more events planned taking us right through to the summer, including our Storyland Festival on Sunday 29th June. All of these activities are made possible with support from our funders and partners and as always, those who support the festival. To find out more, visit our outreach page here, or contact our Youth Engagement Manager, Sarah Davy at sarah@hexhambookfestival.co.uk.
