Sunday 21st April 2013
The first Hoo’s Kids Book Fest took place in May 2012 and was opened by favourite illustrator and author James Mayhew. After a truly splendid day, James said “I believe this will become one of the truly important children’s book festivals in the UK”.
Clearly we had to rise to this challenge, so this year we have added lots more unique and exciting events to the programme. Go to 'What's On' to see all that we have in store for you.
What's happening?
From the moment the gates open at 10am to the moment they close at 5pm, prepare to be amused, intrigued, surprised and delighted.
Children of all ages (0 -100 yrs) will be entertained by authors of many much-loved stories, such as Philip Ardagh, Sally Gardner, Cressida Cowell and Lauren Child. They will be able to enter the mythological world of Beast Quest; go on an adventure with the Famous Five or have fun with story tellers from the Roald Dahl Museum. Meanwhile, you will also be able to see how world famous illustrators like Guy Parker-Rees bring stories to life through pictures or have a go at writing your own story in the Creative Cart Shed.
Our event times have been arranged to ensure that there's always something on the go for each age group, so don't miss out on a fantastic family day out!
Children of all ages (0 -100 yrs) will be entertained by authors of many much-loved stories, such as Philip Ardagh, Sally Gardner, Cressida Cowell and Lauren Child. They will be able to enter the mythological world of Beast Quest; go on an adventure with the Famous Five or have fun with story tellers from the Roald Dahl Museum. Meanwhile, you will also be able to see how world famous illustrators like Guy Parker-Rees bring stories to life through pictures or have a go at writing your own story in the Creative Cart Shed.
Our event times have been arranged to ensure that there's always something on the go for each age group, so don't miss out on a fantastic family day out!
From 4th March you'll be able to book and buy your tickets from
WH SMITH, Harpenden,
OXFAM BOOKSHOP, St Albans,
CENTRAL LIBRARY Box Office, Luton
CHORLEYWOOD BOOKSHOP, and
on-line HERE.
We strongly recommend that you do book as some events have limited seating.
Entrance fee is £5.00 with under 2s free. Ticketed events are £3.00 and some events are free.
WH SMITH, Harpenden,
OXFAM BOOKSHOP, St Albans,
CENTRAL LIBRARY Box Office, Luton
CHORLEYWOOD BOOKSHOP, and
on-line HERE.
We strongly recommend that you do book as some events have limited seating.
Entrance fee is £5.00 with under 2s free. Ticketed events are £3.00 and some events are free.
There is plenty to keep you all entertained
Discovering the World
The theme for our festival this year is “Discovering the World”, in honour of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the 3rd Earl of Bute who was the founder of the Luton Hoo Walled Garden, first “director” of the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew and Prime Minister from 1762 – 1763.
Lord Bute, who built the Walled Garden at Luton Hoo 250 years ago, was a fascinating man with a passion for learning. Whether it was plants or fossils, stones or stars, he amassed a vast collection of books on every subject to enrich his life. We hope that by bringing the world of books alive for children we will inspire them to follow Lord Bute’s example and discover for themselves the joy and magic contained amongst the pages of a book.
Lord Bute, who built the Walled Garden at Luton Hoo 250 years ago, was a fascinating man with a passion for learning. Whether it was plants or fossils, stones or stars, he amassed a vast collection of books on every subject to enrich his life. We hope that by bringing the world of books alive for children we will inspire them to follow Lord Bute’s example and discover for themselves the joy and magic contained amongst the pages of a book.
Thank you to our sponsors:
