So here I am, three days away from
attending the Wychwood 2015 Festival and I have to say I am excited. What is there to be excited about I know you
are wondering. And what does it have to
do with Armadillo?
Well, the two questions can be answered in
one. It is because Wychwood has a
dedicated Chlidren’s Literature Festival running alongside the music and
workshops. Not only is there a packed
programme of authors for children to meet and listen to but also they have the
opportunity to attend classes and workshops and enjoy performaces too.
Wychwood is a an incredibly family friendly
festival and I know that any children who attend will not only be inspired by
the authors they listen to and meet but they will gain from their experience
fond memories of a wonderful weekend and some inspirational encouragement to
read and maybe even be writers themselves one day.
Lots of thought and hard work, considerable effort,
goes into the planning of these events and I know that my first trip to
Wychwood 2 years ago was a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people and
the Children’s Literature Festival was there, in its own marquee, roving
popular but looking at the programme for this year I can see that even more authors
are involved, there are even more big names and there is likely to be very
little room left in the children’s tent for the whole of the weekend!
So just who will be there – fantastic authors
galore …Ali Sparkes (think Monster Makers, Shapeshifters, Dark Summer) offering
something to children aged 7 and upwards; Petr Horacek with his marvellous picture
books appropriate for all ages. I don’t
know Giancrlo Gremin but am excited that I may get a chance to meet this new
name along with the also unkown First Draft and local author Karen Langtree.
Steve Anthony will be there and I am hoping
he will show off his fantastic illustration skills. Friend of mine Steve Cole will be there and
he could be talking James Bond, Egyptian Adventures or even dinosaurs in space –
watch this space to find out. The
bearded giant that is Philip Ardagh is likely to have his audiences in stitches,
John Dougherty will hopefully play his guitar whilst Anna Wilson, Tracey
Corderoy, Paul Strickland, Chris Edge and Cathy Cassidy not forgetting Matt
Brown, Paul Strickland and Tony de Saulles.
Phew I think I need a sit down now but
maybe that will have to wait until this weekend when I park myself in the Children’s
Literature Tent at Wychwood for an inspirational series of events.
If I have time in my busy schedule I may
pop along to listen to some music on one of the 4 stages, learn more about what
Wychwood are doing to go green, hone some belly dancing skills. Listen to some
comedy … the list of things to do is endless.
Whatever your plans were for this coming
weekend change them and get yourselves over to Cheltenham Racecourse for the
stunning Wychwood Festival.
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