The Big Malarkey Festival, a huge celebration of children’s literature, returns to Hull’s East Park this month.
Tickets have just gone on sale for the festival, held at a colourful tented site in the park and a chance for families to enjoy all their favourite stories – and discover new ones. The first Big Malarkey was held in 2017, as part of Hull UK City of Culture year.
Nearly 8,000 people came to the park to meet writers, illustrators, poets, performers and puppet-makers, and try their hand at all kinds of practical activities. The Big Malarkey is delivered by Hull Libraries and provides a unique resource for the city.
As well as offering a wide-ranging programme for schools – free to all members of Hull Schools Library Service – The Big Malarkey weekend of fun is laid on, just one of many initiatives promoting reading for pleasure and encouraging curiosity, learning and creativity.
The Big Malarkey Festival will be held over the weekend of June 28 and 29, with a host of fabulous authors, dancers, illustrators, actors and musicians on the bill. This year, the festival theme is “What If…?”
(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
The festival will be celebrating stories, animals, discoveries, scientists and so much more in “Malarkey Park”. Saturday’s events run from 10am to 5pm, and will include crafts, dance, storytelling, drawing, theatre performances and meet-the-author sessions.
Sunday’s events run to a similar timetable and offer everything from sensory play and audio art to a bubble show and heritage activities. Tickets can be bought for either of the days or a full weekend pass is available.
Your ticket entitles you to go to any festival event you like – and many events are repeated throughout the day – and you can download a brochure to help you plan your visit, ensuring you will not miss a particular activity.
Some events this year – such as Drake Music, Virtual Reality Literacy Experience, and Concrete Youth – have limited numbers. It is recommended that you visit that tent when you first arrive to book a session and avoid disappointment.
Some food stands will be available, selling hot and cold drinks, ice cream, cakes and cookies, gyros and crepes. A picnic area and seating is provided for families who want to bring their own food.
Car parking is on the Woodford Leisure site at East Park. For more information visit The Big Malarkey Festival website.