Local children lap up Oldham's 'amazing' literature festival

Coronation Champion and award-winning author Christina Gabbitas is pictured (left)

More than 2,000 children and families attended the very first Children’s Literature Festival to be held in Oldham.

The festival was organised by Coronation Champion and award-winning author Christina Gabbitas, in partnership with Oldham Council.

Founder of Children’s Literature Festivals charity Christina said: “The whole three-day engagement with children, families and teachers was absolutely amazing.

"The most rewarding part is the testimony from children.

"One mum walked in behind her son who said it’s the most excited she had ever seen him, it was the first thing he wanted to attend on Saturday morning, and especially to pick up his free book.

"We have also been running an initiative to encourage children to write or produce illustrations about saving our planet, and we’ve had some wonderful entries that will be displayed in the library.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to all the Oldham Libraries team and The Bukhari Institute for all their kindness and support.”

Actress Jenny Agutter OBE, who is patron for the charity, said: “I’m thrilled to learn that Christina and the team at Children’s Literature Festivals charity with Oldham Libraries were able sprinkle the magic and positivity of books at yet another festival.

"Congratulations to Christina once again and all the team.”

Events were held in Chadderton Library, the Bukhari Institute (Old Carnegie Library) and Chadderton Town Hall, with the mission at Children’s Literature Festivals to give children from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities an opportunity to attend free literature festivals and gift books.

Organisers were able to gift over 1,000 books.

The children were treated to sessions from African Rapping Poetry with Donavan Christopher, Bhangra and Bollywood Dancing with Salma Zaman, stories of ancient Egypt with Andy Seed, Monster Illustrations with Zehra Hicks, Character storytelling with Dan Worsley, Poetry with Craig Bradley, Save Us From Pladtic sessions with Christina Gabbitas, while debut author Hafiza Issa and local Oldham author Allen Lule Pennell staged readings throughout the day too.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.