Children's reading festival returns to city

Holly PhillipsEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageGetty Images A shot from over the shoulder of a woman pointing to a book and a child reading the book. The woman has blonde hair tied back and is wearing a blue long sleeve top. The child has long brown hair and is wearing a white t-shirt. The book is The Gruffalo and has illustrations and words on both pages. Getty Images
The Big Malarkey Festival takes place at East Park in Hull later this month

A children's literature festival is returning to Hull for its ninth year.

The Big Malarkey Festival will see authors, artists, dancers, musicians and theatre companies fill East Park during its main event on 20 and 21 June.

As part of this year's 'It's a Mystery' theme, children will be able to solve puzzles, don disguises and explore some of Hull's best mysteries.

Councillor Jackie Dad said: "It is a festival not just about reading, but about ideas, imagination, creativity and performance."

The Big Malarkey was established during Hull's year as UK City of Culture 2017.

This year's festival will kick off with the James Reckitt Reading Conference on 15 June, followed by a week of school activities.

Also taking place is the James Reckitt Hull Children's Book Awards, where children aged 7 to 11 will meet authors and choose their favourite book in a live vote.

During the main event at the weekend, the Hook-a-Book stall will return with free books for everyone to take home.

Tickets can be bought online or at all branches of Hull Libraries.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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