Children’s BookFest Chichester 2021
October 2021
The 2021 Children’s BookFest in Chichester ended on a high after 28 authors led 59 inspiring sessions in schools all over the Chichester area. We gave a staggering 2642 books in our mission to change the unacceptable statistic that “1 in 11 disadvantaged children in the UK does not own a book of their own.” (National Literacy Trust) These books were then signed by their visiting author, and the children were gifted their own treasured book. Our format this year meant that we were able to purchase a book (and a badge) for every primary child taking part.
Parklands Community School commented, “The children all receiving a book and meeting the author was invaluable and really inspired the pupils. Through your festival, 180 pupils have a book of their own which is amazing and not something we could provide on our own.”
We were excited to welcome so many outstanding authors this year. Record breaker Rob Biddulph, award winning Tim Tilley and Matt Carr headlined some of the best children’s authors this country has to offer. It was also a pleasure to welcome Alex Jordan, an actor and enthralling storyteller, who was able to run 4 sessions enabling us to offer a wider range of engaging workshops for the children.
To see all of our authors please click here. Authors prepared incredible sessions making them exciting and engaging for all of the children. Some drew maps and some drew monsters. Some created their own villains, whilst others created their own stories.
Author, Kirsty Applebaum commented “The children were great and really engaged - the teachers had spoken to them about my books beforehand so they were excited and some even had questions prepared. They came up with so many fantastic story ideas.”
Enthusiastic Q&A sessions were held at each school who joined in the buzz the festival created with silly hat competitions, and after school hot dog and hot chocolate story telling sessions. One school talked about their children being so inspired they had begun to write their own novels.
Seal School commented “It was all superb! It was great to have an actual author in school, especially after the last few years. It made our hearts sing to see our children walking out of school with their own book in their hand and an enormous smile on their faces.”
The festival was again supported by amazing volunteer stewards who gave their time to ensure everything ran smoothly for each author at each school.
We work hard to raise funds each year to buy the 4.000 books for the children attending the Festival and the books we give each month to the 4 local food banks. For many, this will be their very first book of their own. If you are able to make a donation please click here.
The BookFest team is already busy making plans for the future and hope to reach even more children with their 2022 festival. Keep reading below for further responses from those who took part.
