Top authors to encourage St Helens youngsters to go creative at Festival of Imagination

The two-day event, to be staged on Friday July 22^nd and Saturday July 23^rd, will see renowned authors including Phil Earle, Mark Lowery and local author Rachel Lyon host special discussions and book-signing events for young audiences, while Performance Poet Paul Cookson will also be appearing.

The Festival will be held at three different venues during the two days, including St Helens Library, the World of Glass and the Lucem Theatre. It is the result of a collaboration between St Helens Library Services and partners including The World of Glass, The Virtual School, Lucem House and The Book Stop. Each day will include a packed programme of events running from 10am to 4pm.

Entry to the events on both days will be free and in addition to author talks, there will be poetry readings, films, workshops and performances.

Activities will include special screenings of the children's film favourite "The Gruffalo" as well as a storytelling adventure performance from University Centre St Helens Theatre and Performance students. There will also be two special author events featuring local writer Will Mabbitt who will be there to lead the adventure into our imaginations.

Lunch will also be provided for the children taking part in the festival on both days. 

Families and children attending the events will need to book in advance for any activities they are interested in taking part in. Further details on the individual events and how to book are here: www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk and at : St Helens Festival of Imagination - St Helens Borough Council 

When arriving on the day, children must register at the World of Glass or Lucem House. Once registered, they will receive a badge, map plus voucher for 2 for 1 coffee at The Book Stop shop in the town centre and a book voucher for £5.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage said "This two-day event will be a fantastic and fun celebration of storytelling, the written word and exciting performance art and we would encourage youngsters and their parents across the borough to come along and take part if they can.

"Not only will we have some top local authors on hand to pass on some useful tips to young visitors but also some great interactive workshops and performances which should make it a really exciting experience for those attending just as the summer holidays begin."

Kathryn Boothroyd, St Helens Borough Council Library Services Manager said: "The Festival has a really exciting programme of events lined up which should hopefully really inspire both children and their parents to get inspired and creative during  the two days.

"We have some very talented authors and performance artists appearing during the Festival as well as some great interactive workshops and competitions to get involved with. If you're looking for a fun way to start the summer holidays with your kids this will be the perfect place to start."

Paul Ross, St Helens Virtual School Headteacher, said: "As a Virtual School it is important for us to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities have access to high quality, cultural experiences that are also a lot of fun! We would love all of our carers and parents to bring along their children to join us in celebrating the joy reading for pleasure can bring".

For more details on upcoming events at St Helens Libraries this summer including the Festival of Imagination please visit: St Helens Borough Council Library Service Events | Eventbrite