From sensational stories to creative fun, Cheltenham Literature Festival is once again catering for all ages, offering a jam-packed family programme for 2019.
SoGlos has rounded up 12 of the best family events to enjoy during the 2019 festival, which runs from Friday 4 October to Sunday 13 October 2019.
1. Cressida Cowell: Dragons and Wizards
Promising a world of mythical beings, wizards and warriors, join Cressida Cowell for a special event on Saturday 5 October 2019 at The Times and The Sunday Times Forum.
Taking place from 10.30am until 11.30am, join the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate as she discusses her inspiration for books such as How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wizards of Once; and what it’s like to have a book made into a blockbuster film.
2. Tongue Fu for Kids
Expect word play, improvisation and musical wizardry from the Tongue Fu Band.
Led by musician and poet Chris Redmond, the group returns to Cheltenham Literature Festival’s Garden Theatre on Sunday 13 October 2019, after performing their leading spoken word show at venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Roundhouse.
3. Believe in Unicorns
Join award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller, as she retells the classic tale, I Believe In Unicorns by Michael Morpurgo.
Taking place on Sunday 6 October 2019 at Cheltenham Ladies’ College’s Parabola Arts Centre, the story explores the power of words, offering families the chance to take a spellbinding journey through a library and the stories within its pages.
4. Opera ABC
Combining storytelling with music and an opportunity for learning, guests can discover how opera came to be, as singer and author Mark Llewelyn Evans, soprano Victoria Joyce and pianist Meryn Williams perform a fun filled introduction to opera that’s perfect for families.
Designed for children over the age of seven, the performance comes to Cheltenham’s Parabola Arts Centre on Saturday 5 October from 12.15pm, and will take audiences on a journey through time to meet the inventor of opera.
5. Dermot O’Leary and Nick East
Families can join BBC Radio 2 and X-Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, as he talks about his latest book, Toto the Ninja Cat and the Superstar Catasrophe, along with illustrator Nick East.
The third book in the series is based on Dermot’s real-life cat of the same name, who he rescued as a kitten, along with her brother Silver.
Taking place on Saturday 12 October 2019 at Cheltenham Festival’s Garden Theatre, children over the age of seven will love hearing about Toto’s adventures, and also get the opportunity to learn how to draw her, with tips from the book’s illustrator.
6. Robin Stevens: Top Marks For Murder
Author and guest curator of Cheltenham Literature Festival, Robin Stevens, hosts this must-see event for young fans of crime fiction. The Cheltonian author will share stories about her school days in the town and how they inspired her books in the Murder Most Unladylike series.
Taking place in The Garden Theatre on Saturday 5 October 2019, children over the age of nine will enjoy tapping into their own detective skills and solving a mystery, followed by a question and answer session.
7. Connie Glynn: The Lost Princess
YouTube star and author Connie Glynn heads to Cheltenham’s Parabola Arts Centre to talk about her latest book, The Lost Princess – a mystery adventure story about an ordinary girl and a princess swap places.
Designed for children over the age of 10, audiences can take their seats on Saturday 12 October 2019 for a fantastic opportunity to discuss the world of The Rosewood Chronicles in a question and answer session with the well-known YouTuber.
8. Tim Hopgood’s Words and Pictures
Coming to Cheltenham’s Parabola Arts Centre on Saturday 12 October 2019, renowned author and illustrator Tim Hopgood discusses what comes first – words or pictures.
The illustrator of the 2019 Cheltenham Literature Festival children’s brochure, and the author of works including Cyril the Lonely Cloud and Wow! Said the Owl, Tim Hopgood will demonstrate live illustrating as the audience draws along at this family friendly event.
9. Konnie Huq
Discussing her latest book Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World, Konnie Huq will appear at Cheltenham Literature Festival’s The Inkpot venue on Saturday 12 October 2019.
This family event is designed for children over the age of seven, with the author, illustrator and former Blue Peter presenter will conduct a non-stop comedy event, complete with lots of games and a chance to draw along.
10. Chris Riddell: Guardians of Magic
In a mythical world where magic is under threat, three ordinary children work together to protect its future. Led by author Chris Riddell, audiences can discover more about Cloud Horse Chronicles: Guardians of Magic, in this special event at Cheltenham Literature Festival 2019.
Taking place at The Inkpot on Sunday 6 October 2019 for ages nine and above, join the creator of Goth Girl and the Ottaline series, as he brings his latest book to Cheltenham, promising to be a ‘spellbinding event’ from young readers.
11. Horrid Henry: Number One for Fiendish Fun!
Celebrating 25 years of horrid fun, guests can join bestselling children’s author Francesca Simon on Saturday 5 October 2019 at the Cheltenham Parabola Arts Centre.
After sabotaging the school place, sneaking onto forbidden rollercoasters and causing carnage aboard an aeroplane, Horrid Henry has been a staple part of children’s bookshelves for over two decades.
12. Baby Goes To Market
Sure to leave little ones mesmerised, join the author of Baby Goes To Market, B is for Baby and the Anna Hibiscus picture books as she discusses her baby-friendly back catalogue.
Atinuke is appearing at Cheltenham-based The Hive on Friday 4 October 2019 for this engaging children’s event that promises to be full of warmth.
