Ormsgill School set to host sixth literary festival

Frank Cottrell Boyce will visit Ormsgill Primary and Nursery School in Barrow-in-Furness for The Ormsgill Book Festival on June 13.

Mr Boyce, famed for works including Millions, Cosmic, and Framed, will be joined by award-winning children's writer Jennifer Killick and illustrator Fiona Woodcock.

Organiser Laura Reid with author Vashti Hardy at the 2023 festival (Image: South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust)

He is also a screenwriter for Doctor Who and Coronation Street as well as films including Goodbye Christopher Robin.

He wrote the only words the Queen ever acted in the Platinum Jubilee Paddington sketch.

Ms Killick, the creative mind behind the Alex Sparrow books and junior horror series DreadWood, will deliver workshops during the festival.

Meanwhile, Ms Woodcock will conduct a 'draw-a-long' for the young attendees.

The Ormsgill Book Festival aims to stimulate children's passion for reading and is attended by pupils from South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, Sacred Heart, and other schools across the region.

Laura Reid, assistant headteacher at Ormsgill School, set up the festival.

She said: "When I started the festival I had little idea of how much it would grow and the line up we have this year is incredible.

"The pupils are so excited to meet the amazing authors who have not only created their favourite characters but the worlds they delve into through reading.

"This further ignites their passion, which is key to all learning."

She added: "We are also really proud to share this event with the wider trust schools and local communities to bring everyone together."

She thanked Barrow Town Council, TI Accountancy, accountants JF Hornby, BAE Systems and Nuclear Transport Solutions who have supported the event with funding ranging from £500 to £2,500 for speakers and books.

Books will be available to be signed on the day and can also be pre-ordered via bookseller Sam Read of Grasmere.