This year’s Bedford Kite and Motoring Festival, on 21-22 June, will host the likes of Olaf Falafel (whose picture book Blobfish won the Queen's Knickers Award from The Society Of Authors), Michelle Robinson (who won the Sainsbury's Children's Book Prize with There's A Lion In My Cornflakes), and Bedford’s own David Litchfield (perhaps best known for The Bear And The Piano).
There will also be appearances from Julia Jarman, who has had more than 100 books published over a 40-year writing career, and Lou Treleaven, whose books Letter To Pluto and Turns Out I'm An Alien have both been part of the Summer Reading Challenge in UK libraries.
Also appearing will be the ever-popular fixtures from Bedford Borough’s regular story-telling events, such as Toby’s Tall Tales with actor and teacher Toby, and our Rhyme Time sessions aimed at children aged 0-5. Plus there will be a session of Inclusive Stories, which are ideal for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and includes music, props, visuals, hands on experiences as well as sensory moments.
That will be alongside the usual festival fun, such as vibrant kite displays, vehicle exhibitions, live music, fun on the river, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Put the dates in your diary now
There's no need to book in advance, just come and find us using focus.lovely.chemistry on what3words to join the fun, or look for us next to the Blue Lights motoring display near The Kiosk in Russell Park.
You'll find the Book Fairy station plus badge and book-making in one side of the tent, and the following programme taking place in the other side. Please note that some of the authors will have books available to buy and sign after their sessions.
Saturday 21 June
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 10.00 – 10.45am | Toby’s Tall Tales | Toby will be starting things off in the tent by bringing stories to life through reading, actions, puppets, bubbles and more! |
| 11.00 – 11.45am | Julia Jarman | Join Julia Jarman, who this year celebrates forty years of publishing, for an interactive session with her popular books Big Red Bath and Class Two at the Zoo |
| 12.00 – 12.45pm | Rhyme Time | Anthony from the library (and his ukulele!) will be leading a fun, musical Rhyme Time for the whole family |
| 13.00 – 13.45pm | Lou Treleaven | Enjoy Lou Treleaven's fantastic children's picture books as she shares a selection of her stories with families |
| 14.00 – 14.45pm | Michelle Robinson | Join best-selling and major award-winning children's picture book author, Michelle Robinson, as she shares some of her wonderful picture books |
| 15.00 – 15.45pm | Olaf Falafel | Prepare yourself for giggles (for children and adults!) with author, illustrator, comedian, and winner of The Funniest Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe, Olaf Falafel |
Sunday 22 June
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 10.00 – 10.45am | Toby’s Tall Tales | If you missed him yesterday, Toby will be back with his fantastic, lively story session, suitable for the whole family |
| 11.00 – 11.45am | Julia Jarman | Another chance to see Julia share some of her most popular picture books plus some classic rhymes. Audience participation encouraged! |
| 12.00 – 12.45pm | Michelle Robinson | Michelle will be with us again, reading some of her fantastic picture books |
| 13.00 – 13.45pm | Jonas Lane | Jonas Lane will be telling us how he became an author and inviting the audience to join in with some fun writing prompts! |
| 14.00 – 14.45pm | David Litchfield | Multi-award winning illustrator, David Litchfield, will be sharing some of his beautifully illustrated picture books |
| 15.00 – 15.45pm | Inclusive Stories | Join us for some inclusive story telling to celebrate the close of the Kite Festival |
We are still keen to hear from you with your ideas, so if you have suggestions for activities or events you would like to see as part of our Year of Reading in 2025 then please contact us at yearofreading@bedford.gov.uk