An unmissable event for children by children, the festival brings favourite children’s authors from the UK and Nordic region to the fore, plus a packed schedule of activities including dance, music, theatre, readings, storytelling, workshops, immersive shows, exhibitions and novel fun events – like the pedal-powered film screening of the Little Mermaid in last year’s edition. Be tickled by Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, wriggle along to dance-theatre Tidy Up and join radio personalities and debut authors, Greg James and Chris Smith, for an action-packed Kid Normal event.
Southbank Centre is a world-famous, multi-venue arts centre in London, with a dynamic year-round festivals programme and an inclusive ethos. Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre, founded with the Festival of Britain in 1951. It’s a place where people experience world-class art and culture that stimulates, inspires, educates and amazes.
This year Ben Shires will be hosting the free events on The Clore Ballroom. The presenter of CBBC’s Officially Amazing, MOTD Kickabout and Shout Out Saturday is our resident funny man, catch him throughout the festival between 10am – 4pm. Firm favourites such as Bedtime Stories and Fun DMC also return, along with plenty of new free activities. With so much entertain and delight for the little ones.
Two 30-minute animated films from Magic Light Pictures serve classic fairytales with a mischievous twist for families and children with music performed by Southbank Sinfonia. See Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella as you’ve never seen them before.
Hear bestselling award-winning author Jacqueline Wilson discuss her much-loved characters like Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker, as well as her latest paperback, Wave Me Goodbye, her novel set at the start of World War Two. There is also an opportunity to ask questions and books are on sale before and after the talk.