Step into a world of imagination and adventure this October half term as Books Alive! brings storytelling, creativity and family fun to Southport in this FREE family festival.
Follow a town centre trail inspired by The Jolly Postman, enjoy a packed Festival of Stories programme at The Atkinson, and discover an exciting Fringe Festival in venues throughout Southport.
Festival of Stories brings together authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers for two days of inspiring events, hands-on workshops and family-friendly entertainment at The Atkinson. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is recommended as places are limited.
Explore the Festival of Stories programme below and secure your tickets to make the most of your Books Alive! experience.
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LOCATION: LIBRARY – BE INSPIRED!
Meet the authors, illustrators and storytellers behind some of your favourite books. Enjoy engaging talks, live storytelling sessions and creative conversations that bring stories to life, offering plenty of inspiration for young readers, writers and budding artists alike. Discover new books, hear from talented creators and spark your imagination. Programmed by Children’s Books North Network. Hosted by Katy Ashworth.
Lydia Monks: Meet the Artist – The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile *BSL
Thu 29 Oct. 10am – 10:45am / Book Free Tickets
Natalie Denny: Meet the Author – Keisha Jones Takes on the World
Thu 29 Oct. 12:30pm – 1:15pm / Book Free Tickets
Dapo Adeola: Meet the Artist – Super Goat Girl *BSL
Thu 29 Oct. 3.15pm – 4pm / Book Free Tickets
Kate Pankhurst: Meet the Artist – Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
Fri 30 Oct. 10am – 10:45am / Book Free Tickets
Ashley Thorpe: Meet the Author – The Boy to Beat the Gods
Fri 30 Oct. 12:30pm – 1:15pm / Book Free Tickets
Joseph Coelho: Meet the Author – Rapunzel is a Lettuce *BSL
Fri 30 Oct. 3:15pm – 4pm / Book Free Tickets
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LOCATION: LIBRARY – BE CREATIVE!
Unleash your imagination in a programme of hands-on workshops celebrating illustration, writing, poetry and graphic novels. Learn new skills, experiment with different forms of storytelling and create your own work alongside talented artists, authors and facilitators. Whether you love drawing, writing or making, there’s plenty of inspiration to spark your creativity. Programmed by Children’s Books North Network. Hosted by Katy Ashworth.
Salomey Doku: Draw Along – You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! *BSL
Thu 29 Oct. 11:15am – 12pm / Book Free Tickets
Metaphrog: Graphic Novel Workshop *BSL
Thu 29 Oct. 2pm – 2:45pm / Book Free Tickets
Ruth Awolola: Interactive Poetry Workshop
Fri 30 Oct. 11:15am – 12pm / Book Free Tickets
Gabrielle Kent: How Stories Begin Workshop *BSL
Fri 30 Oct. 2pm – 2:45pm / Book Free Tickets
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LOCATION: STUDIO – BE PART OF IT!
Step into the action in this vibrant programme of live performances, interactive experiences and creative events. From theatre and live poetry to author appearances and audience participation activities, these sessions invite families to listen, watch, create and get involved in stories in exciting new ways.
Altru Drama: Hansel & Gretel
Thu 29 Oct. 10:30am – 11:15am / Book Free Tickets
EggPeople: Poetry Slammed
Thu 29 Oct. 12:30pm – 1:15pm / Book Free Tickets
Tmesis Theatre: The Wondershelf
Thu 29 Oct. 2:30pm – 3:15pm / Book Free Tickets
Little Seeds Music: Tales from the Lighthouse *BSL
Fri 30 Oct. 10:30am – 11:30am / Book Free Tickets
Tmesis Theatre: The Wondershelf *BSL
Fri 30 Oct. 1pm – 1:35pm / Book Free Tickets
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LOCATION: FOYER – NOISY NOISE NOISE
Shhh… just kidding. Make some noise! Noisy Noise Noise is a playful sound library with over 90 books that trigger weird, wonderful, and occasionally rude noises. From memes to movie clips, it’s a chaotic celebration of creativity – built with kids, for kids. Created by Working Boys Club, the team behind the interactive musical bar Serving Sounds.
Noisy Noise Noise
Thu 29 Oct. 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm / Drop in event, booking is not required.
Fri 30 Oct. 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm / Drop in event, booking is not required.
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LOCATION: ART BOX – CRAFT WORKSHOP
Get creative together in this free family craft workshop inspired by some of children’s literature’s most-loved characters. Join artist Dot Rogers and learn how to make your own lion, inspired by Rachel Bright’s The Lion Inside, or create a colourful caterpillar on a leaf inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Make it! Craft Workshop
Thu 29 Oct. 11.00am – 3.00pm / Drop in event, booking is not required.
Fri 30 Oct. 11.00am – 3.00pm / Drop in event, booking is not required.
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* BSL – These sessions are supported by a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
Free tickets are limited to six per transaction.
Accessible seating can be purchased in person at the Box Office or by calling 01704 533 333.
Please note that a photographer will be present during the event and photographs may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes.
