The festival in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and Blackburn with Darwen Council will span over two weeks, from 9th– 21stJune.
The festival and initiative this year is being supported by Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Phil Riley, ‘Call The Midwife’ Actress Jenny Agutter and Cynthia Johnston Lecturer in the History of the Book who Christina took inspiration from.
Schools are invited to bring their classes to experience interactive author and illustrator sessions to be held in all Blackburn with Darwen Libraries. There will also be an outreach programme to visit SEND schools, making the festival more inclusive.
Christina is also inviting children and young people up the age of 16 to write poetry or prose about their favourite place or space in Blackburn or Darwen.
There will be a prize of a £200 Waterstones voucher for the Blackburn with Darwen school with the most entries, followed by £100 voucher for the individual winner and £50.00 for a runner up. The initiative is open until 25thAugust winners are to be judged by Councillor Phil Riley, Christina Gabbitas and Blackburn with Darwen Libraries.
There will also be free books and free tickets for selected shows taking place at the festival as the event aims to get bigger and better each year!
For more information visit:www.childrensliteraturefestivals.com
