Inaugural Hitchin Children’s Book Festival is a success

James Mayhew at the Hitchin Children's Book Festival. Picture: British Schools Museum (Image: Archant)

The festival – held on Saturday at the British Schools Museum in Queen Street – saw smiles all round as stories were accompanied by face-painting, craft sessions, author Q&As and book signings.

James and Harriet entertained the crowd with tales and workshops that brought their stories to life across the morning.

There was even a visit from Alice and the White Rabbit, brought to life by actors from the Letchworth-based Imajica Theatre Company.

Festival organising chief Danny Pearson told the Comet: “What a morning! I am delighted with how the Hitchin Children’s Book Festival went.

James Mayhew at the Hitchin Children's Book Festival. Picture: British Schools Museum (Image: Archant)

“It was fantastic to see how much the kids, and adults, enjoyed the festival. I hope the event inspired people and I was overwhelmed by all the positive messages I received before, during and after the event.

“People have asked for more – so watch out for news of future events coming to Hitchin in the new year!”

Danny added that the team would like to give a massive thank you to James and Harriet, as well as to the staff and volunteers at the British Schools Museum, Waterstones Hitchin and festival logo designer Dan Bramall.

James added: “I was thrilled to part of this first ever Hitchin Children’s Book Festival. I’m amazed it hasn’t happened before, and congratulations to Danny Pearson for putting together such a superb event.

“It was a real pleasure to be hosted by the British Schools Museum, and to work alongside my own ex-student, the hugely talented Harriet Muncaster.

“I hope the festival grows and grows into a national literature festival. It certainly deserves to!”

See britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk and imajicatheatrecompany.co.uk for more.