Celebrated Welsh authors and illustrators will bring their stories and characters to life as they inspire and entertain young and avid readers at this year’s springtime Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival.
Running over two weeks in March and April (Saturday 30th March – Sunday 7th April) the Welsh and English Festival will host numerous storytelling sessions, craft workshops, creative writing workshops and games across Cardiff’s iconic venues including Cardiff Castle, City Hall and Cardiff Central Library.
There will also be free school events held during the week and free craft sessions on the weekends.
Aimed at children between three to 11, the festival hopes to promote celebration the benefits of reading which can have a substantial impact on children’s educational success.
Celebrate St. David’s Day this year by preparing yourself for 10 not-to-be-missed Welsh-language events featuring Welsh authors and illustrators at this year’s festival. All events will last 1 hour unless otherwise states:
1. Get some cake-design inspiration
Join Aberystwyth’s fashion designer, author and illustrator Felicity Haf as she shares the special story of Begw Haf, a little girl who bakes special cakes with her grandmother. There will also be a colouring session with Felicity for wannabe cake designers.
• Saturday 30th March: 10:00am, aged 3+ (Welsh language event), Old Library Gallery
2. Draw favourite myths and monsters
If you have an enthusiastic illustrator at home, this is the chance to meet with Wales’ favourite cartoonist, Huw Aaron who will show them how to bring their weird and wonderful Welsh legend creatures to life! Huw’s cartoons can be found in a number of children’s books including Ble Mae Boc and Mellten.
• Saturday 30th March: 3:00pm, aged 6+ (Welsh language event), Cardiff Central Library
3. Step into the secret world of the Maes y Mes fairy forest
Nia Gruffydd definitely knows a thing or two about fairies. Nia tells the stories of four fairies and best friends Mwyaren, Brwynwen, Rhoswen and Birallen, their friends in the forest and the animals that help them solve troubles on their daily adventures. There will also be an opportunity for everyone to make woodland fairy crafts to take home with them after the session!
• Saturday 30th March: 4:00pm, aged 4+ (Welsh language event), City Hall, Room D
4. Read your way into the fast lane
Screenwriter and author Huw Davies tells the story of 14-year-old Davidde and his exciting passion for motorcycle scrambling. Taking on school bullies and earning respect from his father and not to mention the mysterious Black Rider, Sgramblo speaks on the challenges of Davidde’s life following the death of his mother at an early age. Young adolescents will love this exhilarating storytelling session with Huw.
• Sunday 31st March: 11:00am, aged 8+ (Welsh language event), Cardiff Story, Learning Suite
5. Starring Tomos, the magical theatre mouse!
Tomos is a happy, energetic and curious theatre mouse who is friends with everyone and always ready to help behind the stage. What will happen when Tomos is asked to take over the role of a star who is unable to perform? Cross your fingers and your toes for everyone’s favourite little mouse!
• Sunday 31st March: 3:00pm, aged 5+ (Welsh language event), Old Library Gallery
6. Have fun learning Welsh with Deinosiapiau
Join Welsh actress Ffion Wyn Bowen for an interactive and bilingual story and movement session! Exciting and fun for everyone, this is a great session for parents who are new to learning Welsh with their Welsh-speaking children.
• Sunday 31st March: 10:00am, aged 2+ (Welsh language event), City Hall, Room C
7. Fuel imagination and creativity with Meleri Wyn James
Meleri is an author who has published over 30 books for children and adults, including her popular series, Na, Nel! She toured the series of the mischievous and imaginative Nel across Wales last summer for five weeks, entertaining hundreds of fans and readers. This session will encourage children to fuel their imagination through words and crafts.
• Saturday 6th April: 11:00am, aged 6+ (Welsh language event), Cardiff Castle Undercroft
8. Become a dragon whisperer!
Who doesn’t want to speak with dinosaurs or learn about their tongues? Join Dolgellau-native, author and television presenter, Bethan Gwanas as she tells the story of Cadi, the dinosaur whisperer. Free posters of Cadi and her dinosaur friends will also be available!
• Saturday 6th April: 3:00pm, aged 5+ (Welsh language event), Cardiff Castle Undercroft
9. Hear the tale of mischievous Deian and Loli who have secret super powers
Deian & Loli, a popular and award-winning S4C children’s programme, has taken its popular status to the book shelves. Join author Angharad Elen and artist Nest Llwyd Owen for a storytelling adventure of Deian & Loli and the Sleeping Stars and take part in a character creation workshop.
• Sunday 7th April: 11:00am, aged 3+ (Welsh Language event), Old Library Gallery
10. Alleviate writer’s block with Manon Steffan Ros
Stuck in a place of writer’s block? Author of Trio and Me and Joe Allen, will be hosting a fun and light-hearted creative writing workshop to get your imagination running wild and your creativity flowing. From creating storylines to character development, this is the workshop to help get your story ideas off the ground.
• Sunday 7th April: 12:00pm, aged 9+ (Welsh language event), Cardiff Castle Undercroft
Plus, many English language events to choose from including:
• Ade Adepitan and his Amazing Ade-ventures! Saturday 30th March: 3:00pm, aged 7+, City Hall, Lower Hall
• Through the Eyes of Me with Jon Roberts Saturday 30th March: 4:00pm, aged 5+, City Hall, Room C
• Gruffalo Storytime Sunday 31st March: 11:00am, aged 3+, Old Library Gallery
• Calling all Beano fans! Learn How to Draw your Beano Faves with Nigel Auchterlounie Saturday 6th April: 2:00pm, aged 7+, City Hall, Room D
• The Sea House with Lucy Owen and Rebecca Harry: Sunday 7th April: 1:00pm, aged 6+, Old Library Gallery
Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival 2019 is set to be a huge success with over a week of bilingual and Welsh language events taking place across the city. For more information and tickets, visit www.cardiffkidslitfest.com / www.gwylllenplantcaerdydd.com
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