Annual BookFest marked by great giveaway of 4,000 books to kids
Wimbledon BookFest has gifted more than 4,000 books to schoolchildren in celebration of World Book Day.
More than 1,000 books were given to children from the 27 primary and secondary South London schools whose children attended events at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
There to give readings and sign books were Carnegie Medal winner Frank Cottrell-Boyce, acclaimed writing duo Katie and Kevin Tsang and bestselling author Tọlá Okogwu.
BookFest also gave 3,000 copies of World Book Day book Loki: Tales of a Bad God, by Louie Stowell, to all children in Year 3 at Merton state schools.
The event is helped along by a generous £10,000 donation from the Axis Foundation – a charitable body that promotes community causes.
Fiona Razvi, the festival founder and director, said: “Developing a love of reading for pleasure is incredibly important and has a lifelong impact on a child’s prospects. Children who attend BookFest events and go home with their own copy of the book leave feeling inspired and excited about literature.
“Wimbledon BookFest is a year-round community-focused celebration of books and culture, bringing world-class authors and speakers to venues across the borough of Merton.
“The festival has a thriving education programme at its heart, aimed at supporting literacy, encouraging a love of reading and opening up new worlds of imagination and opportunity for children in the local community.”
More than 15,000 children from schools across South London engage with Wimbledon BookFest’s creative projects every year.
The festival also launched its popular Young Writers’ Competition 2024, run in partnership with the
University of Roehampton, which is open to all Merton primary and secondary schools.
Authors Eve Wersocki Morris and Carnegie-shortlisted Nathanael Lessore join chairwoman Dr Amy Waite from the University of Roehampton on this year’s judging panel. Entries are invited on the theme of ‘The Game.’ In 2023, more than 70 schools and 7,000 children took part in the competition.
Wimbledon BookFest’s inspiring Introduction to University Day for state school sixth formers is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at the University of Roehampton.
Last year’s event featured speakers including Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and communications strategist and broadcaster Alastair Campbell.
Pictured top: Schoolchildren at Wimbledon BookFest (Picture: Wimbledon BookFest)
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