Families share book love at first festival
FAMILIES from across Rochdale came together to share a love of reading in a new event.
The first ever Children’s Literature Festival was held at Number One Riverside on Saturday, July 13, where children and adults experienced a number of book-themed activities, with top children’s authors contributing.
Authors including Michael Rosen, who wrote We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, attended, alongside screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, Richard O’Neill, and Morag Hood.
A performance was also given by the Lempen Puppet Theatre, Curious Cargo, and local storytellers to entertain all.
The festival was founded by Lowerplace Primary School teacher, Clare McGreevy.
She said: “Children and staff all know how important reading for pleasure is and wanted to share their love of books with the whole community.
“We are so pleased that
the event has been supported by the whole town and all the wonderful authors and performers.
“The library have said that an unprecedented amount of children signed up to the library service and the Summer Reading Challenge at the festival.
“Rochdale is a shining example to other boroughs and we hope that the festival builds year on year.”
School-led activities such as Willy Wonka’s Sweet Stall, Hook-a-Book, book tombola, and name the teddy bear took place, with pupils from Lowerplace, Holy Family, St, Mary’s, St Patrick’s and Broadfield enjoying the fun, The schools also showcased reading activities done in school on Reading for Pleasure stalls.
They had been attending Open University Reading for Pleasure CPD at Lowerplace School and the festival is the culmination of year long work into promoting reading for pleasure.
Mayor Billy Sheerin also made time to read aloud to children, Michael Rosen performed some of his famous poetry and Frank Cottrell Boyce shared extracts from his new bestseller, Runaway Robot.
Madeleine Lindley Book Store, The Round Table and The Littleborough Ladies Circle were key in giving the event their support and have all pledged to continue this support next year.
Malou, age 11 said: “I didn’t know reading could be this much fun.
“I’ve had such an amazing time today and can’t wait to get home and read my signed copy of Runaway Robot.”