Calling all young bookworms

Saturday 13 May 2017

Jersey Festival of Words have announced plans for a “festival feast” for young readers later this year.

Favourite characters from the magical world of children’s books, including Harry Potter and Charlie and Lola, will feature at this year’s Jersey Festival of Words.

The third annual literary festival, which runs from 27 September to 1 October, will once again include a packed programme of events for families, as well as bringing celebrated writers for adults and schools to the Island.

Pictured: Radio 1 DJ Greg James and Newsbeat presenter Chris Smith. 

Radio 1 DJ Greg James, who is making his publishing debut with a book series entitled Kid Normal, co-written by Newsbeat presenter Chris Smith, will be a guest star at an event sponsored by Appleby. 

Fraser Robertson, Partner and Practice Group Head at Appleby said: “Appleby are delighted to be both sponsoring the Kid Normal event and supporting the Jersey Festival of Words in 2017.  We are very much looking forward to welcoming Greg and Chris to Jersey and will be creating a very special experience for all the children taking part in the event.”

Pictured: 'Kid Normal', the book authored by Radio 1's Greg James and Chris Smith.

The festival will also have a magical factor as Le Gallais have sponsored a magic-filled affair at the Opera House to mark the 20^th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book.

Slow-motion Quidditch at Hogwarts, magic spells and plenty of audience participation will be orchestrated by an actress in the role of Fleurble Laffalot, super assistant to the Professor of Potter, with all material approved by J K Rowling herself.

Robin Sappé, Director at Le Gallais said:“F. Le Gallais and Sons are thrilled to offer continued support to the JFOW for 2017, and this year we were spoilt for choice as to which events to sponsor given the wide spectrum of topics covered and also the calibre of authors. We have chosen three events that we feel have a broad appeal to all, the first to be announced is the event marking the 20^th anniversary of Harry Potter. It is sure to be a magical, extremely popular family event. Don’t miss it.”

Charlie and Lola creator, Lauren Child MBE, will also be at the festival to talk about their latest adventures and her writing process. Ms Child will also attend a storytelling event at the Jersey Library, run by London-based Heather’s House of Stories. 

Kristina Stephenson, is returning for a second year following her big hit at the 2016 Jersey Festival of Words with her books about Sir Charlie Stinkysocks. She will return with a special dinosaur edition celebrating ten years of the popular character.