STAHS Children's Book Festival 2019

STAHS CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL 2019

Saturday 15 June saw a crowd of more than 1000 people attend the inaugural STAHS Children’s Book Festival in Wheathampstead. The event was kick-started by the Readers’ Theatre competition, in which 7 local schools all delivered fantastic performances of popular children’s books. It was a tough decision for judges Simon Pegg and STAHS Head Jenny Brown, but they eventually opted for the team from St Josephs in the Park as well-deserving winners.

As the day went on, we heard inspiring talks from some of the biggest names in children’s literature. Authors David Baddiel, Robin Stevens, James Mayhew and Jonathan Stroud all gave brilliant presentations and spent lots of time signing books and chatting with the children. Younger children were also treated to some storytelling from Pegg, Mayhew and Katherine Holt in our yurt.

There was something for everyone at the event, with children of all ages enjoying the multitude of book-themed activities on offer. There were murder mystery treasure hunts, art and craft activities, an adventure playground, gold panning, zip lining, writing workshops, gardening, and even some Victorian washing! As ever, the STAHS Catering team delivered some brilliant themed food options, with their Mad Hatter’s Tea Party costumes being the pick of the staff fancy dress.

Visitor Reviews “A fantastic day which was truly inspiring for young writers of the future. Well done to all involved!”

“A fabulous day! Well done STAHS. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“It was a great adventure!”

“Wonderful day at the STAHS Children’s Book Festival - thoroughly enjoyed all the authors' storytelling and talks. What a treat.”

“What a superb celebration of great literature in great company.”

"Thank you and for putting together this excellent opportunity for our children. We all had a tremendous time. I am looking forward to enjoying the experience again next year." (Teacher from Farley Junior School, who took part in the STAHS BookFest School Tour)

Enjoyed it very much. Thanks STAHS Book Fest.

David Baddiel

A super lovely afternoon at the STAHS Children’s Book Festival – it was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic Detective Society members, old and new. Thank you so much to STAHS Prep for looking after me so well.

Robin Stevens

Thanks so much to STAHS Book Festival, I had the most wonderful time reading to the children and judging the Reader’s Theatre.

Simon Pegg

This was a truly fabulous book festival, an amazing achievement for its inaugural year. Very happy to have been part of such a special day. What a triumph! A stupendous premiere! I absolutely loved it.

James Mayhew

What a superb day at a wonderful festival!

Jonathan Stroud

STAHS Bookfest 2019 in Numbers

550

adult tickets sold for the festival

35

children took part in the Readers' Theatre competition representing 7 local schools

850

burgers eaten at the Scarecrows' Wedding BBQ

800

books bought by young readers visiting the festival

750

child tickets sold for the festival

700

children in St Albans and Luton visited by poet John Hegley on the BookFest School Tour

1200

cups of tea drank at the Mad Hatter's Tea Shop

followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

300

Further Information Highlights video: bit.ly/stahsbookfestvid Website: www.stahs.org.uk/prep-school/stahsbookfest Email: stahsbookfest@stahs.org.uk Telephone: 01582 839270 Address: STAHS Prep, Codicote Road, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire AL4 8DJ Next STAHS Children's Book Festival: 8th-13th June 2020