An action-packed week of activities for schools has begun, ahead of a bumper family-friendly festival weekend, as The Big Malarkey makes its return to Hull’s East Park.
Children have today (Tuesday, June 16) been learning about the process of writing a book and enjoying outdoor activities, as part of the fun and educational festival in “Malarkey Park”. Back for a ninth year, The Big Malarkey is about encouraging children to use their imaginations, practise problem solving, develop their critical thinking skills, enjoy sharing stories and ideas, and discover their own creative power, alongside professional artists.
Hull’s own children’s literature festival is delivered by Hull Libraries and funded by the James Reckitt Library Trust and Arts Council England. Aimed at youngsters aged 0 to 16, and their families, The Big Malarkey is gearing up for a weekend full of fabulous authors, dancers, illustrators, actors and musicians, on June 20 and 21.
The festival theme for 2026 is “It’s a Mystery!” and East Park will be filled with puzzles, clues to collect, dressing-up in disguises and more. You can find out more at The Big Malarkey website and see what some local schoolchildren have been up to in Malarkey Park, in the pictures below taken by Hull Live’s Donna Clifford.