2016 Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival: 100 Years of Dahl

The dates for the 2016 Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival have been announced and next year’s event will take place between April 16th and April 24th. This will be the fourth year the event has come to the capital and as Cardiff is my home city I am absolutely thrilled!

There’s a diverse line up, but heading the bill is Roald Dahl as the city celebrates his centenary year, but you can also expect to see Jacqueline Wilson, Anni Llyn the Welsh Poet Laureate, and a bunch of characters from children’s BBC television.

The first Children’s Literature Festival took place in 2013 and it has grown each year, but the celebration of legendary author Roald Dahl during the centenary is sure to bring many book lovers, young and old along to the event. Cardiff Boy, Dahl was born in the city in 1916 and went on to play children’s classics such as the BFG, George’s Marvellous Medicine, and James and the Giant Peach in his writing shed here in the city. As part of the celebrations patrons will be able to enjoy a series of Dahl themed events including storytelling, craft sessions and some very special surprise guests.

The event was launched last night in Cardiff’s City Hall with Liz Pichon and when the main event kicks off in the spring activities are spread across the city and will involve a variety of things to participate in. Each event will be for sale separately so it’s easy to pick and choose and as far as we can see, events cost £4 each to enter. Here’s a rundown of some of the events as we’ve had a sneak peek at the programme, but you can expect lots more as it nears:

Sean Taylor: Hoot Owl

16th April 2016 – 1pm to 2pm at Cardiff Central Library, the Hayes.

Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl – oh no! – he’s a master of disguise! And he will use his expert camouflage powers to trick his unsuspecting prey into succumbing to him! Tiny animals of the night … beware! But, somehow, Hoot Owl’s prey keeps escaping… Hmmm, perhaps he isn’t quite as masterful as he believes. Will he ever succeed in catching himself some dinner?

And other stories, there will be plenty of time to ask questions too.

Welcome to the World of Harper with Cerrie Burnell

16th April 2016 – 10am to 11am at Reardon Smith Theatre, National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park.

Children’s TV presenter Cerrie Burnell talks about her wonderful new series following the adventures of Harper and her scarlet umbrella. Told with Cerrie’s trademark beauty and wonder, prepare to be whisked away to a very magical world of stories.

Unlock the Magic with Holly Webb

16th April 2016 – 10am to 11am at Cardiff Castle Undercroft, Castle Street.

Join bestselling author Holly Webb in an enchanting session full of magic, mermaids and adventure as she introduces her new book, The Mermaid’s Sister.

Find out more as Holly takes you on a mystical, magical journey through one of the world’s most beautiful and enchanting cities. Holly is one of the UK’s most loved children’s authors, and is now the author of over 90 books.

Writing Workshop with Sibeal Pounder

16th April 2016 – 11am to 12:30pm at Cardiff Story, Learning Suite, The Old Library, The Hayes.

Calling all young writers! Come along and meet Sibéal Pounder, author of the wonderfully funny Witch Wars series. Learn about different styles of writing and how to create brilliant characters in this fun, creative session. Hats strongly encouraged.

Supported by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

*Please note this session is 90 minutes long

Angharad Tomos & Mair Tomos Ifans: An Hour in the Magical World of Rwla

16th April 2016 – 12pm to 1pm at Castle Undercroft, Castle Street.

Join performer Mair Tomos Ifans and Angharad Tomos, author of the legendary Rala Rwdins series.. Gwlad y Rwla – Rwla’s Country, home of the comical wizards and witches, will come alive in this hour of magic and mischief. Angharad will be reading stories and Mair will be singing songs from Gwlad y Rwla. A warm welcome to small witches and wizards of all kinds.

*Please note this session is Welsh Language

Not That Kind of Art with Nathan Wyburn

16th April 2016 – 1pm to 2pm at Cardiff Story, Learning Suite, The Old Library.

Nathan Wyburn doesn’t like to use watercolours for his art. In fact he doesn’t like to use paint, pastels or oils. Nathan much prefers to use Marmite, baked beans, coffee or jam; anything he can find lying around the house really. His celebrity portraits are all crafted using non-traditional materials making his artwork refreshing, unique and often, very tasty.

In this workshop Nathan will showcase some of his wackier pieces and describe the processes behind them. He’ll also orchestrate an interactive art session inviting attendees to play with their food.

Horatio Clare: Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot

16th April 2016 – 2pm to 3pm at Cardiff Castle Undercroft, Castle, Castle Street

Join award-winning writer Horatio Clare as he talks about his new book for children Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot.

Aubrey is a rambunctious boy who tries to run before he can walk and has crashed two cars before he’s old enough to drive one. But when his father, Jim, falls under an horrendous spell Aubrey is determined to break it. With the help of the animals of Rushing Wood, Aubrey will never surrender – even if he must fight the unkillable Spirit of Despair itself: the TERRIBLE YOOT!