(Image: Supplied)
A children’s book festival is set to fill Durham's Market Place with stories and imagination.
The event will include readings, creative workshops, and hands-on activities designed to inspire young readers and their families from 9am to 4pm on Friday, August 21.
Entry and all activities will be free of charge.
Annette Atherton, the organiser behind the event and owner of Bert & Barn’s Natural Doggy Treats, said: "Books can take children anywhere.
"They can spark their imaginations, help them understand the world and give them characters and stories they may remember for the rest of their lives.
"I really wanted to create a day that celebrates that magic and gives families the chance to enjoy stories and activities together, completely free of charge."
Although her business is not directly related to books, Ms Atherton said she was motivated by a personal passion for encouraging children to discover the joy of reading.
The festival comes at a time when children’s access to books is under the spotlight.
Research published by the National Literacy Trust in 2025 found that one in ten children and young people aged five to 18 in the UK did not have a book of their own at home.
The same research found that children who owned a book were almost four times as likely to enjoy reading and to read every day as those who did not.
A full day of activities will be on offer in the Book Tent, starting at 10am.
Highlights include crafting ladybird bookmarks, shaping adventure stories, exploring nature through storytelling, and meeting some unforgettable children’s book characters.
Children will also have the chance to learn about the endangered pangolin through stories and interactive activities.
Among the local authors taking part is Karen Crear, who wrote her first children’s story, Where There’s a Wheel, There’s a Way, at just nine years old.
She will bring the original handwritten manuscript, now 43 years old, for children to see up close.
Writing under the name Karen Ferguson, she later published the story as a fully illustrated book.
Ms Crear will read from the book during the festival and lead a colouring session based on her characters, including Humphrey the Tortoise.
A portion of the book’s proceeds supports the Dragonfly Cancer Trust, which helps terminally ill children and their families create lasting memories.
Children’s author, illustrator and former primary school teacher Elaina Moon will also be taking part.
Ms Moon will introduce Little Ladybird and the Perilous Picnic, alongside a bookmark-making activity.
Cath Wren will present Pangolin Blues, a conservation-themed picture book for children aged four and up.
Her interactive session will include a reading and related craft activities.
Ms Wren will also guide children in making mice and decorating a garden inspired by her book Fred.
The Book Tent will also feature an interactive, child-directed adventure story from Usborne Books, as well as a hands-on nature exploration with Creature Comforts.
Visitors can also explore the outdoor market, which will feature book-themed stalls, arts and crafts, gifts, food, drinks, and more.
Free activities include face painting from 11am to 2pm and a dedicated children’s activity tent.
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The full Book Tent schedule is as follows:
- 10am–11am: Rebecca Ellison (Usborne Books) – Interactive adventure story
- 11.15am–12.15pm: Elaina Moon – Story reading and craft
- 12.30pm–1.30pm: Karen Crear – Reading and colouring activity
- 1.45pm–2.45pm: Creature Comforts – Nature investigation workshop
- 3pm–4pm: Cath Wren – Book reading and creative activity
All workshops and activities are free to attend.