Children's literature festival returns to city

Organisers of the festival said they would like children to imagine a fictional future

Organisers of a children's literature festival are encouraging those who attend to be creative and use their imagination to write and draw a fictional future.

With a theme of "What if...." The Big Malarkey Festival will return to East Park in Hull on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June.

Organised by Hull Libraries, the family friendly event will include writers, dancers, illustrators, poets, actors and musicians.

Festival producer Claire Thompson said: "It's so exciting to see the children meeting the authors and sharing their artwork with artists."

The event, for those aged 16 and under, is a celebration of children's literature.

Organisers said they would like children to be creative and write stories by daring to ask themselves "What if?"

For example, "What if we want to fly to Mars?" or "what if a rollercoaster could take you all around the world?" they said.

The event is a combination of information, arts and science where children can learn and get creative through writing, drawing and talking with authors.

The first festival was delivered as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 when about 8,000 people attended, according to Hull Libraries.

Ms Thompson said: "We're particularly excited to welcome Dr Huw Lewis-Jones who is an arctic explorer and going to be telling us all about penguins.

"We're also happy to be bringing lots of brilliant authors and illustrators to the festival."

The event includes a doodle room with famous children's illustrators, an acrobatic theatre show, music workshops and a science show.

Ms Thompson added: "The Big Malarkey Festival is a highlight in the Hull Libraries calendar.

"We love welcoming everyone to East Park to explore storytelling and creative arts."

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