Festival brings the magic of reading to families this Autumn

Wimbledon BookFest has unveiled an expanded programme of events for children and families to enjoy this autumn.

With captivating new stories and classic tales, draw-a-longs, storytelling and performance, the festival will run from different venues across Central Wimbledon throughout September and October.

Kicking things off, Wimbledon BookFest has partnered with award-winning children’s theatre, Polka Theatre, for a celebration of picture books at the Big Dreams Festival from September 28 to 29.

Author and illustrator Benji Davies will host a fun session based on his much-loved Storm Whale stories while Jonny Duddle offers a dinosaur doodling adventure in celebration of his new book How to Draw Dinosaurs. 

Elsewhere, Tọlá Okogwu will share her enchanting story about overcoming night-time fears through the power of friendship, Bekah and the Moon, while Debi Gliori presents her timeless classic picture book No Matter What.

For its second phase, Wimbledon BookFest’s annual Autumn Festival will run from October 17 to 27.

Children are invited to join storyteller Liz Fost’s interactive event based on the picture book Dragons Love Underpants and Manga artist Chie Kutsuwada’s 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café draw-along.

For older children, engineer and author Subhadra Das and historian and author Roma Agrawal will perform their enlightening and entertaining family friendly comedy show about history, science and innovation, Uncle was Right!.

Fiona Razvi, festival founder and director said: “We are delighted to welcome so many talented children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers to the Festival this year. 

“BookFest aims to offer something for everyone, and through our children’s events this autumn we hope that even the youngest members of our community will be enchanted by the magic of books!”

Wimbledon BookFest’s year-round community focused calendar of events has included collaborations with local partners including King’s Arts, New Wimbledon Theatre, Merton Libraries and University of Roehampton to broaden audience reach and offer cultural access for all. 

Wimbledon Bookfest’s annual Autumn festival will run from October 17 to 27, in venues across Central Wimbledon.

For further information visit www.wimbledonbookfest.org

Pictured top: Subhadra Das will perform her family friendly comedy show about history, science and innovation (Picture: Alia Romagnoli)