Walliams and Blackman to appear at Bath festival

David Walliams, Malorie Blackman and Axel Scheffler are some of the authors and illustrators appearing at this year’s Bath Children’s Literature Festival, which is taking place 1st-9th October.

The festival, founded and directed by Gill and John McLay, will this year comprise of more than 100 events over nine days. Other authors appearing include Liz Pichon, Michael Morpurgo, Cerrie Burnell, Clare Balding, Julian Clary, Lucy Worsley and Simon Mayo.

The festival is turning 10 this year and John McLay said he wanted to “create a legacy that will inspire children to read, write, draw and develop their creativity” through events such as ‘The Big Bath Read’ and a collage workshop. There will be events marking anniversaries such as 150 years of Beatrix Potter and 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl.

The festival is also partnering with children's newspaper First News for the first time, which will also be running a workshop.

Gill McLay said: “We are delighted to be working with Nicky Cox and the team at First News. Their approach of putting children at the heart of everything they do is completely aligned with the festival’s ethos.”

The full programme will be available on the festival’s website.