Families can enjoy even more free storytelling adventures this October half term as The Atkinson joins the Books Alive! Fringe Festival with a programme of author events, interactive activities and imaginative experiences for children.
Ahead of Books Alive! Festival of Stories taking place on 29 and 30 October, the Fringe Festival welcomes local businesses across Southport to host their own book-inspired events and activities across the whole week, helping to extend the magic of Books Alive! across the town.
As part of the Fringe Festival, there be a series of free activities in Southport Library from 26 to 28 October, giving children even more opportunities chance to meet authors, discover new stories and let their imaginations run wild.
All events are free to attend, but advance booking is required due to limited availability.
Books Alive! Fringe Festival Events at The Atkinson
Genevieve Aspinall: Author Reading and Story Activities
Mon 26 Oct 2026 / 10.30am – 11:30am / Book tickets.
Join children’s author Genevieve Aspinall for an engaging reading and story-inspired activities.
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John Kirk: We’re going on a Musical Story Hunt
Mon 26 Oct 2026 / 1pm – 2pm & 2.30pm – 3:30pm / Book tickets.
A fun-filled interactive adventure combining music, storytelling and imagination.
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Susan Brownrigg: Author Reading and Story Activities
Tue 27 Oct 2026 / 10.30am – 11:30am / Book tickets.
Meet children’s author (and our very own library assistant!) Susan Brownrigg to enjoy stories and creative activities.
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Jude Lennon: Storytelling and Author Discussion
Tue 27 Oct 2026 / 1pm – 2:00pm & 2.30pm – 3:30pm / Book tickets.
Enjoy an afternoon of storytelling, discussion and creative inspiration with author Jude Lennon.
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Wonder Library: Stories brought to life
Wed 28 Oct 2026 / 1pm – 1:45pm & 2pm – 2.45pm / Book tickets.
A magical sensory storytelling experience where stories are brought to life through exploration, play and interactive activities.
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Cinderella’s Bibiddi-Bobbidi Books ALIVE! Workshops
Meet the characters of this year’s Cinderella pantomime for storytelling, dancing and lots of fun.
Storytime with Fairy Godfather
Wed 28 Oct 2026 / 11am – 11:30am / Book tickets
Hear the magical story of Cinderella read by our very own Fairy Godfather. Suitable for ages 4-7.
Dance with Cinderella
Wed 28 Oct 2026 / 12pm – 12:30pm / Book tickets
Come and practice for the ball with Cinderella at her very own dance party. Suitable for ages 7-11.
Comedy with Buttons
Wed 28 Oct 2026 / 2:30pm – 3pm / Book tickets
Play games, be silly, tell jokes and recreate the characters of Cinderella with Buttons. Suitable for ages 7-11.
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About Books Alive!
Books Alive! is bringing a world of storytelling, creativity and fun to Southport from 24 – 31 October.
With a magical The Jolly Postman Trail taking over the town centre, a packed Festival of Stories at The Atkinson and Southport Library, and a town-wide Fringe Festival filled with book-themed events and activities, this totally free festival brings children’s stories to life in exciting new ways.
Find out more about Books Alive! at: