Our history

The first Shrewsbury Children’s Bookfest took place in May 1999. It was at the time the only exclusively children’s literary festival in the country. Since then, Bookfest has grown considerably and established a fine reputation for excellence amongst authors, publishers and keen supporters. It is now firmly established as one of the most highly regarded events of its kind in the UK.

Bookfest has always been an independent, not-for-profit organisation, run entirely by a small group of volunteers who collectively put in hundreds of hours’ work throughout the year.

The Bookfest obtained charitable status in 2007, and in 2009 won a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent of an MBE and the highest award that can be given to a voluntary organisation.

 

  

What we do

In addition to the Shrewsbury May Bookfest that takes place over the first May Bank Holiday,
we now also organise an Authors in Schools Week each March and a Mini-Bookfest in November.
We have also just begun a new project – the Shrewsbury Bookfest Book Award.

Why we do it

Our overall aim has remained unchanged since the Bookfest first began – to inspire, enthuse and entertain children through literature and the arts.

Michael Morpurgo, one of our two Patrons, says he loves coming to the Shrewsbury Bookfest…

“… because it’s a real children’s festival, focusing on children and their families. It’s still small and friendly enough to have that personal touch.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our President, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, is also a regular and enthusiastic visitor:

“Children’s authors go all over the world speaking at book festivals. But I can honestly say that I have had the most fun at Shrewsbury and I know all my fellow authors agree with me.”

Over the last 11 years we have brought many of the country’s best-loved authors and illustrators to Shrewsbury. We have witnessed time and again the magical effect that these visits have on children. As is evident in their books, children’s authors and illustrators have a wonderful and instinctive gift for understanding how children think and how to inspire their imaginations. For bookworms and reluctant readers alike, they bring the world of books alive.

To find out more about Michael Morpurgo, visit: www.michaelmorpurgo.org

To find out more about Jacqueline Wilson, visit: www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk