A County Durham book festival will give children the opportunity to meet local authors, hear how they bring their characters and stories to life, and enjoy workshops aimed at inspiring them to read, write, and illustrate. 

Durham Children’s Book Festival will bring free entertainment for families to the heart of Durham for the next two days (Tuesday and Wednesday, August 20 and 21).

Kylie Dixon, from Seaham, will return to the festival for the fourth consecutive year, inspiring children with her creation, The Magical World of Mushroom Marvellous.

(Image: DURHAM MARKETS)

She said: “It’s not just me telling the children about my books. During the workshop, all the children will be learning about empowering friendships.

"I’ll use characters and storylines to inspire the children to appreciate empowerment, with a participation activity based around friendship.”

Other authors participating in the event are Lisa and Mark Cryer, Lauren Osborne, Chloe Atkinson, Cait Stott, and Moth Flutterby - the penname of Miles Nelson, of Bookwyrm.

The event is organised by Durham Markets Company together with independent Durham bookshop, Bookwyrm, operated by husband/husband team Chris Larmouth and Miles Nelson.

Chris said: “We’ve been involved with Durham Children’s Book Festival for several years, with Miles running workshops, inspiring the children with his love of sci-fi and fantasy.

"Children come back year after year. They tell us what they’ve been inspired to write, and their parents tell us how this festival inspires their children to read.

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“It’s a win-win. The authors love meeting the children, and the children and their families head home full of inspiration.”

As well as the author and illustrator workshops, families will be able to enjoy a city centre book-themed treasure trail, discover the mini beasts of bugsnstuff.com on display in the Market Hall entrance, and meet costumed storybook characters. There will also be an outdoor market alongside the events in the Market Place.

All events are free to participate in, and no tickets are required. Workshops in the Durham Market Place marquee will run from 9.30am to 4pm on Tuesday, August 20, and from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, August 21. For full details and the workshop schedule, visit durhammarkets.co.uk/event.