Spread the Word - Literature and Arts Festival Merthyr Tydfil 2 March 2017

Spread the Word Literature and Arts Festival on

 Thursday March 2^nd 2017

The biggest event on World Book Day in Wales

On Thursday March 2^nd 2017, the Stephens and George Charitable Trust will host the biggest event on World Book Day ‘The Spread the Word Literature Festival, in Merthyr Tydfil. The event is being opened by the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, at 10am at St David’s Church, Merthyr Tydfil.

This year the festival will be held in even more venues within the town centre, with entertainment for children of all ages including stilt walkers, jugglers, Crazy Golf, Giant Chess boards and games, fairground rides, Falconry, human statues and lots more.

Every year the Festival is themed on a famous author or book. This year the theme is Harry Potter and with the support again from community service woodwork department in Cardiff, we will have fantastic magical Harry Potter Props including 10ft broom sticks and a Hogwarts Castle which the team have been creating for months to bring the festival to life.

There are over 200 workshops at the event, and authors, illustrators, actors and performers come from all over the UK to participate. Amongst them will be Tony De Saulles who illustrates the Award winning series Horrible Science. Dan Anthony who has worked as a scriptwriter on CBBC's Story of Tracy Beaker and S4C's The Baaas and as well writing the successful Rugby Zombie books for young readers.

Techniquest will bring the magic of Harry Potter to the festival through spell making sessions and ITV Wales journalist Hannah Thomas will be talking about her career and life as a journalist. Henning Lohlein, award winning illustrator and writer is running workshops. His book, Mr Fox, is amongst Julia Donaldson 10 favourite picture books.

Over 2500 children will be in attendance at the event dressed as characters from the Harry Potter books. The day will commence with over 1500 children parading through the Town Centre of Merthyr Tydfil. Music Workshops have been held prior to the event funded by The Big Music Project through Youth Cymru and run by Aber Arts. Young people have learnt to play instruments such as ukulele’s and recorders to enhance the Festival through music.

Helen Hughes The Charity Coordinator states “The event is part of the Stephens and George Charitable Trust’s aim to empower young people through literacy. Without good reading and writing skills young people will have limited life chances. At the event, each year we bring the magical world of books alive to enthuse and educate young people“

If you would like to volunteer at the event please contact the Trusts volunteer mentor Nerys Golding-Hann by emailing her on  Nerys.hann@stephensandgeorge.co.uk. There will be plenty of variable opportunities and volunteers ages range from 16 to 68 years of age. “The Festival is a great way of developing your experience and confidence as well as giving something back to your local community.” Nerys Golding- Hann.

The event is free of charge to attend and runs from 9am until 3pm on World Book Day. Further information can be obtained from helen.hughes@stephensandgeorge.co.uk 01685 375331