The Reader to host giant World Book Day event

More than 1,000 youngsters are expected to attend a huge World Book Day celebration at The Reader next month.

The Liverpool organisation is teaming up with the official World Book Day charity to present the event at Calderstones on March 5 as part of the National Year of Reading.

It is the first time in the history of World Book Day that an event of this scale has been held in one location anywhere.

A wide range of authors – including Jamie Smart, Hannah Gold, Matt Oldfield and Serena Patel - will take part in the day, which will be hosted by World Book Day ambassador MC Grammar.

Young bookworms can enjoy author and illustrator talks, book signings, competitions, crafts, character appearances and even a silent disco.

The annual World Book Day aims to share the joy of reading with young people and to encourage them to explore books in ways which spark curiosity, imagination and confidence. Many youngsters choose to dress up as their favourite literary characters as part of the celebrations.

As part of the nationwide event, all children in full-time education receive a £1 token which they can exchange for a book from a special selection of 16 chosen by the World Book Day charity or use towards any full-priced book or audiobook at participating retailers.

The Reader is the UK’s biggest Shared Reading charity, dedicated to connecting more than 25,000 adults and children with literature to improve wellbeing, literacy and community cohesion.

Its director of literature Katie Clark says: “We’re very excited to be hosting the UK's biggest ever World Book Day celebration during this National Year of Reading. There will be a wide range of free fun activities for children throughout the day, from drop-in storytelling sessions in our magical multi-purpose family space The Storybarn, to crafts and a silent disco opened by the brilliant MC Grammar.

“Our staff and volunteers work on a daily basis to inspire a lifelong love of reading among children and young people through a thoughtful annual events programme packed full of creativity and author visits.

“We believe Shared Reading is needed now more than ever and World Book Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the power of reading, together."

World Book Day at The Reader takes place on Thursday, March 5. More details HERE

Top: The Reader at Calderstones. Photo by Ollie Gyte Photography