Christina will be spreading the love of reading books

Founder of the Children’s Literature Festivals charity and Book Awards Christina Gabbitas, who has been chosen as one of the 500 Coronation Champions, is working with Oldham Council to deliver their first-ever children’s literature festival in Chadderton and Oldham.

The festival later this week is set to bring hundreds of children and all in our communities into Chadderton Library, Oldham Library, the Bukhari Institute and Chadderton Town Hall to spread a love of reading and books.

The free events are being delivered by the voluntary led charity Children’s Literature Festivals, founded by Christina, whose mission is to give children and families from all backgrounds and cultures and opportunity to attend free literature festivals and books.

Each child (primary age) who attend the communities day will receive a free book (subject to availability).

On Thursday and Friday, May 18 and 19, children from primary schools in Chadderton are invited to attend read-aloud interactive sessions with authors, poets, and illustrators.

The line-up includes a list of award-winning authors, Andy Seed, Christina, Donavan Christopher (Rappaman) Salma Zaman, Zehra Hicks, debut author Hafiza Issa and local Oldham author Allen Lule Pennell.

Children are being invited to take part in the festivals Save Our Planet initiative too with prizes and an exhibition of work to be displayed in Oldham Libraries.

Saturday, May 20, will be Communities Day in the Bukhari Institute, where children can engage with artists who will perform sessions, including from Bollywood Dance and SEND teacher Salma, African Peace Poet, Christina, Blue Peter Book Award winner Andy and award-winning illustrator Zehra.

Donavan (Rappaman) is an African rapping poet who will have you reading aloud and proud with audience participation.

Christina said. “I’m very grateful to Oldham Council for investing in the festival and recognising the benefits of promoting a love of reading in our communities.

"It’s been a great pleasure to witness the enthusiasm of all the Oldham Council team involved in the process.

"I’m absolutely thrilled that Her Majesty The Queen Consort with the Royal Voluntary Service have recognised that my mission is also making huge positive impact with the festivals.

"I can’t wait to celebrate with other Champions of causes that make such a difference in our communities.”

Children who attend the communities day will be gifted a free book (subject to availability) gifted by Poems and Pictures Ltd and the Children’s Literature Festivals charity.

More information about the festival can be found at: www.childrensliteraturefestivals.com

A link to book places for the ‘free to attend’ communities day is here, or just turn up on the day

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