Booktastic children’s book festival goes virtual

Bedford’s Booktastic children’s book festival will be live-streamed after organisers decided they wouldn’t let the ongoing coronavirus pandemic force them to cancel.

With the literary festival due to return on Saturday 23 May, with a programme full of some of the biggest names in children’s books, the team is creating an online platform so families can still join in.

“We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm from the book industry for our idea,” says Festival Director, Rachael Rogan.

“As soon as we contacted everyone to break the news they were full of fantastic ideas to deliver a virtual festival live into the homes of families.

“And this means we can now extend the reach of the event beyond our usual audience – so it’s actually become a genuinely exciting opportunity!”

But they need your help. So they meet the minimum requirements for live-streaming from a range of devices, they need 1000 subscribers to their YouTube channel.

They are asking everyone to visit the Booktastic YouTube Channel and hit subscribe. At the account, you’ll be able to view sneak previews of the festival to whet your appetite too.

Booktastic is now in its sixth year, and hads welcomed authors such as: Chris Riddell (children’s laureate), Cressida Cowell (How To Train Your Dragon), Nick Sharratt (You Choose) and Kes Gray (Oi Frog).

This year, bestselling author Steve Cole will be back with his popular series ‘Adventure Duck’. He’ll be joined by Blue Peter Book Awards 2020 winner, Vashti Hardy and Harriet Muncaster, author of the hugely popular Isadora Moon (3) series.

Poet AF Harrold will be performing alongside illustrator Katy Riddell (daughter of Chris), and David Litchfield will run an illustrating session based on his bestselling and award-winning books.

To keep up to date with all festival news follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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