CALLING all young bookworms, Ilkley Literature Festival’s children and family book events are back! Join them later this March for Story Explorer Days taking place in Ilkley and Keighley.

Enjoy a host of book-themed activities, including author events, interactive sessions, storytelling, a book trail, a reading group, drop-in sessions and more.

Designed for young minds aged 3-12 (and their grown-ups), there will be chance for them to meet some of the authors behind their new favourite children’s books.

Youngsters aged six and under can enjoy imaginative, creative and sensory play with Story Bees; a draw-along with Nick East, who will be illustrating his beloved character Agent Weasel; and join in imaginative, interactive games with festival favourite Jim Whalley, author of Baby’s First Train Robbery.

For children aged seven and up, there are plenty of events to entertain, including poetry writing and map making; a tour of the world’s first orbiting city and intergalactic fun with Mark Powers; bookwandering with Anna James, author of the magical adventure-series Pages & Co; a heartwarming and important talk with Onjali Q. Raúf, award-winning author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, and many more.

Events will take place over two days in Ilkley on Saturday 26 March at All Saints Church, Ilkley Manor House and Ilkley Arts Studio and in Keighley on Saturday 27 March at Keighley Creative Space, Hanover Street, BD21 3QJ.

Erica Morris, Ilkley Literature Festival Director, said: “We are thrilled that our children and family events are back; our Story Explorer Days are the first we have been able to run since the pandemic began.

“We are also grateful to be partnering with Keighley Creative, and for the support from Bradford Council and the Culture Recovery Fund, which has enabled us to extend our work and provide cultural and creative opportunities in Keighley and the wider Craven district.

We hope these activities will be inspiring and engaging for all who attend, and we’re looking forward to seeing children and families at our events again.”

View the full programme: www.ilkleylitfest.org.uk/whats-on

Book now via the Ilkley Lit Fest Box Office:

Website: www.ilkleylitfest.org.uk/whats-on

Phone: 01943 816714