Reading is Magic Festival expands free access in lockdown

The Reading is Magic Festival will expand its free streaming service to give pupils stuck at home access throughout the lockdown.

Put together by organisers of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival last autumn and supported by Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell, the festival saw writers film themselves putting on a variety of events.

Arts charity Bath Festivals had planned to recoup some if its costs by charging to view the 25 plus events from 1st January 2021. However, with schools closed due to the lockdown, free access has now been expanded until the end of lockdown.

Highlights include an appearance by Cowell herself, Kristina Stephenson telling the story of her popular character Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and writer and illustrator Jessica Love reading her book Julian is a Mermaid (Walker). There are also interactive sessions with Joseph Coelho, Adam Murphy, Steve Lenton and Sophy Henn.

Youngsters can enjoy free access by signing up using the promo code FREEMAGICPRESS at the festival website.