A New Chapter in Cornwall: St Austell’s Festival of Children’s Literature

The Cornish town of St Austell is gearing up for the Festival of Children’s Literature, set to run from the 28th to the 30th of June, 2024.

This festival celebrates the power of reading, aiming to make a substantial impact on young lives.

A Celebrated Patron

Leading the festivities, A.F. Steadman, celebrated author of the Skandar series, has been named the first Patron of the festival. Known for her work that transcends age barriers and captures the imagination of readers worldwide, Steadman’s involvement promises to elevate the event’s allure. “I’m really honoured to be the first patron of the St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature,” said Steadman, expressing her excitement about supporting the festival’s noble cause of fostering a love for reading among the youth.

Vision and Aims

Under the patronage of Steadman, the St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature is set to embody its vision of “Making a difference to young lives through the power of reading.” Festival Director Simon Pollard highlighted Steadman’s previous contribution to their events and her continuous efforts to encourage young readers. The festival aims to celebrate reading, enable live author interactions, support family reading, and inspire a community that cherishes literature.

Star-studded Line-up and Activities

Boasting an impressive roster of over 25 children’s authors, including Hannah Gold, Onjali Q. Rauf, and Louie Stowell, the festival promises a variety of events catered to children aged 0-12. From author events to illustrator workshops, the festival is poised to offer a family-friendly celebration of literature. With a nominal entry fee of £1.00 for each event, the festival ensures accessibility, encouraging everyone to partake in the joy of reading. Events are spread across multiple venues in St Austell, including the White River Cinema and Unit 4 studio, enhancing the festival’s reach and impact.

Educational and Community Engagement

A special highlight of the festival is the Schools Day on June 28th, dedicated to engaging over 2000 students in educational and inspiring literary activities. This initiative underscores the festival’s commitment to education and community involvement, reinforcing the importance of reading for pleasure.

Support and Partnerships

The festival is supported by notable partners such as White River Cinema, White River Place, Reading Rocks, and the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), indicating strong community and educational backing. This collaboration is essential in achieving the festival’s goal of promoting literacy and the joy of reading among children.

Further Information

For those interested in attending or learning more about the Festival of Children’s Literature, detailed information and the full programme are available on the festival’s website. Tickets are expected to go on sale in mid-April, promising an enriching experience for families and children.

The St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature not only highlights Cornwall’s commitment to cultural and educational advancements but also promises to be a cornerstone event in promoting the love of reading among the younger generation.