PRESS RELEASE – Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
30th December
BookFest Sutton Coldfield 2020 – Saturday 29th February
Sutton Coldfield BookFest is back for 2020! It’s a fantastic chance for children to meet their favourite authors, discover astonishing books and experience hands-on storytelling.
Meet Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt! Enjoy adventure stories, Tiger Who Came to Tea Tea Parties, mystery writers, Dr Who script-writing, and stories for the very young.
Events for 0-12 year olds all take place on one fabulous day, at Sutton Coldfield Library and Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, with a fun, free Where’s Wally book trail taking place between the two venues. There will be a book shop and opportunities to have books signed by their authors. So if you know a young book worm – or someone who’s ready to be inspired – then don’t miss out! Tickets start at just £3.50 and go on sale on Monday 6th January.
Sutton Coldfield BookFest is produced by Bournville BookFest and FOLIO Sutton Coldfield. Our grateful thanks go to Heart of England Community Foundation and the Peddimore Community Fund, and to Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID and Sutton Coldfield Town Hall for their support.
Festival director Sarah Mullen said: “We are very proud to be bringing Sutton Coldfield BookFest back in 2020 and really have something for everyone, from famous authors to storytelling for tots. Join us for a Leap Day to remember – a chance to #LeapintoBooks!”
Zoe Toft, Chair of FOLIO Sutton Coldfield, said: “We are so excited to see the return of Sutton Coldfield Bookfest in 2020! And this time it’s going to be even bigger and better, with Jacqueline Wilson, a former Children’s Laureate, joining us to help celebrate. Coming just before World Book Day (5 March), and Sutton Coldfield LIbrary’s birthday (7 March) there’s never been a better time to get families excited about sharing stories together.”
Details of all events are now on our website so you can plan your day. Tickets can be booked from Monday 6th January.
www.suttoncoldfieldbookfest.com
Ticket Hotline: 0121 780 3333
Hearing impaired patrons can call the Box Office minicom line on 0121 644 6140.
Who is coming to Sutton Coldfield BookFest in 2020?
Legendary author-illustrator team Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt
They are the creators of Tracy Beaker and have produced more than 50 books together selling 40 million worldwide. They’ll be talking about their characters and Nick will be drawing live on stage, and there will be a chance to meet them afterwards. Don’t miss out!
The Tiger Who Came to Tea Tea Parties
This BookFest tribute to the late Judith Kerr is a treat for 2-6 year olds and their grown ups. Bring the story of a hungry tiger who invites himself in for tea to life – pour the tea, eat the cake and sandwiches. Face-painting optional!
Fantasy adventures with WildSpark author Vashti Hardy
Explore the fantasy worlds of WildSpark and BrightStorm with author Vashti Hardy, using maps and explorers’ stories.
Dr Who Scriptwriting Workshops
Love Dr Who? Then step this way for a fantastic scriptwriting workshop, which will have you creating characters, planets and plot twists.
Tom Percival with Meesha Makes Friends
Perfectly Norman star author Tom Percival has written a sweet story for children who find social manners tricky. A lovely session which will spark conversations in every family.
Fabio the Flamingo with Laura James and Emily Fox
Fabio might not be tall or strong – but he is the world’s greatest flamingo detective. Discover this unusual hero, his love of pink lemonade and crime-solving skills with author Laura James – and draw the characters along with illustrator Emily James.
Mystery Writing Workshop with Serena Patel
Create your own funny stories at this lively interactive workshop with Walsall author Serena Patel. Serena’s hilarious new novel Anisha the Accidental Detective has just been published – and she’s going to share her writing tips so you can all create a completely new story together!
COMPETITION:
WIN tickets to see Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt!
Draw your favourite character and you could be in with a chance to win 4 tickets to see Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Saturday 29th February 2020 – then have an exclusive chat afterwards and a book signed. Details are on our website:
Sutton Coldfield BookFest took place for the first time in 2019. This is what families said:
My 10-year-old reluctant poetry reader is now hooked! Thank you Sutton Coldfield BookFest! Natasha Salari
Well organised, inspiring and entertaining! We’ll definitely book more events next time. Beth Mordaunt
So much fun! I recommend it to anyone with children, whether they like to read or not – this will inspire them. Rumena Aktar
