We pulled out all the stops to make our 10^th Anniversary the biggest, most exciting and best Bookfest yet – and we were thrilled with the results.

In a programme packed with top names from the world of children’s literature, there were many highlights. Watching Bookfest’s President, Dame Jacqueline Wilson holding a packed Theatre Severn audience utterly enthralled with her tales from My Secret Diary, her latest book, was a very special experience.

Listening to one of our Patrons, Michael Morpurgo read a brand-new and not-yet-published story was another major highlight.

This event was sold out within days, and the huge age-range of the audience reflected how widely Michael Morpurgo is revered for his wonderful storytelling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teen-author Louise Rennison had her audience howling with laughter at her hilarious anecdotes from Stop in the Name of Pants, Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging and other books in an evening described by one fan as “full of Fabnosity”.

Families came from far and wide to meet Robert Muchamore for the launch of his latest series of books, Henderson’s Boys, describing how about the Cherub secret agents first began. The prize for the family who travelled furthest goes to the Tranter family who flew over from Luxembourg for the day.

Jeremy Strong had his audience rolling in the aisles with tales from his books and crazy goings-on.

Younger children had a host of treats over the weekend too. Bookfest Patron and much-loved author Ian Whybrow celebrated Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs’ 10^th birthday. And there were fun 10^th birthday celebrations too for Giraffes Can’t Dance, led by the wonderful illustrator Guy Parker-Rees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Justine de Mielles led a lovely celebration of the 40^th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, complete with a gorgeous butterfly-parachute that the children loved running underneath.

At the Lantern Community Hall, children had fun drawing their own Dennis the Menace stories with Beano illustrator Barrie Appleby. A very different – but no less excited – audience at the Lantern later enjoyed a shimmering, magical hour as honorary fairies at Glitterwings Academy with Titania Woods. 

 

Pony enthusiasts were treated to a masterclass in how to ‘Think Like a Pony’ with Lynn Henry, who is not only an expert in all things equestrian, but a wonderful and inspiring communicator too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Finally, on Bank Holiday Monday, there were two stunning theatre performances. At The Hive, children marvelled at Blunderbus Theatre Company’s glittering, funny and hugely enjoyable adaptation of The Rainbow Fish. And at the Walker Theatre, Image Musical Theatre got the whole audience joining in with a wonderful and inventive retelling of The Railway Children.