New chapter for Stroud as inaugural literary festival prepares to capture the imagination

For an event which solely focuses on local authors, writers and illustrators we’re literally spoilt for choice.

The 10-day festival, which runs November 11 to 20, features performances, talks and workshops from more than 40 poets, writers, storytellers and illustrators of which 18 are for children.

Children’s Book Festival director Cindy Jefferies is quick to point out just how important that is.

“School is only part of what children need to learn about the world and we are so lucky in Stroud to have a plethora of extra things to do,” she said.

“With this, our first children’s book festival we are taking reading out of the classroom and into the realm of pure enjoyment. The story is the thing, whether it’s spoken, drawn, sung or giggled at, stories are magic.”

Indeed whilst the adults can enjoy crime fiction, revolutionary poets, talks from Syrian refugee storytellers and a whole day dedicated to romantic fiction, children are by no means an afterthought for this festival.

In fact, many would argue that entertaining and encouraging the next generation of Stroud’s authors and illustrators is a crucial part of the event.

Luckily, the task is one that those making an appearance are happy to tackle.

Tom Percival, who has been illustrating and writing books for the majority of his life, well since he could hold a pencil anyway, will be sharing some of his secrets to successful storytelling during his own masterclass on how to make your own digital story.

“It’s fantastic to be a part of Stroud’s first literary festival,” he said. “When I first moved here four years ago, I was blown away by the creativity and energy of the area and felt like all it was missing was a literary festival. And now it’s complete.

“There’s a huge amount of talented and skilful people involved and with so many different events and workshops set up, there really is going to be something for everyone (apart from fans of pole-vaulting, I don’t believe there are to be any pole-vaulting events or books about pole-vaulting featured – sorry).”

And that pretty much sums up the mood of the festival, which is without a doubt one of the reasons behind its success: with an equal focus on the younger generation of Stroud, the festival organisers have already had to move some of the children’s events to spaces with large capacities.

Authors such as locally loved and nationally acclaimed John Dougherty and Children’s Whitbread Award-winner Jamila Gavin (pictured below) are proving to be early attractions for Stroud’s younger audiences, but all of the children’s events are expected to be very popular.

Families are encouraged to visit the Illustration Exhibition showing at the Subscription Rooms throughout the whole of the book festival period.

Adored local artists Hannah Shaw, Mina May, Tom Percival, Martha Lightfoot and Rebecca Ashdown will not only be showing some of their beautiful illustrations, but they will also be offering a rare insight into the process behind how they create their drawings and pictures.

If you’d like to meet the artists in person, then pop along to the launch of the exhibition on Friday, November 11 at 6pm in the George Room.

According to award-winning Hannah Shaw, she’s as excited about the festival as we all are: “I’m really looking forward to Stroud Book Festival, it looks to be a great success. It will brighten the dark days of November, bringing children and books together.”

And schools are embracing such a wealth of literature and reading on their doorsteps too, with many head teachers encouraging children and their pupils and their carers to attend events in order to support this year’s academic curriculum.

Could it be that in Stroud’s first book festival, which features literary heavy-weights such as Ian McEwan and Jilly Cooper, it’s actually the children’s events which really capture the imagination of the community?

With such a welcoming response from the town’s children, their carers and their schools it’s certainly looking that way. Stroud is certainly set to become a very well-read little town.

Stroud Library will be holding a preview day for the Children’s Book Festival events with special guest author and organiser Cindy Jefferies on Tuesday, October 25 from 11am.

This is a chance to take part in lots of fun craft activities including one which invites you to “make your own book”.

Children and their adults will also have the opportunity to hear about, and pre-book, many of the exciting events coming up at the first Children’s Stroud Book Festival as well as take. Ideal for all ace authors, illustrious illustrators, chronic colourers and crazy cartooners.

Stroud Book Festival runs November 11-20, tickets are available from Stroud Tourist Information Centre, the Subscriptions Rooms website www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk or by calling 01453 760900.