News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

The 2017 Bath Children’s Literature Festival announce its biggest ever programme of events, with major heavyweights from the world of children’s literature coming to the city from 29 September to 8 October.

Headliners include the UK’s Number One Bestselling author Julia Donaldson, best known for The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man; Liz Pichon, the multi-talented author and illustrator behind the Tom Gates series; much loved author and illustrator of the How To Train Your Dragon books, Cressida Cowell; Bath-born superstar, Jacqueline Wilson, best known for her books and CBBC series Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather; and last but by no means least – actor, comedian and all round national treasure, Miranda Hart!

This year’s festival includes a plethora of authors, illustrators, comedy heroes, celebrities, radio stars and fantastic storytellers. Festival fans will also have the chance to see Michael Rosen, Francesca Simon, Chris Riddell, Eoin Colfer, Derek Landy, Harry Hill, Ade Edmonson, David Baddiel, Nadiya Hussain, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Ben Faulks, Christian O’Connell, Greg James & Chris Smith and Gemma Cairney to name but a few of the highlights.

This year’s highlights include:

Julia Donaldson, best known for The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man, will introduce The Ugly Five – the characters from her new picture book with Axel Scheffler.

Liz Pichon (pictured) offers a jam-packed Tom Gates interactive event with reading, drawing, doodling plus a live performance from Tom’s favourite band Dude3.

Cressida Cowell will launch the first of a new series of books called The Wizards Of Once. Expect tales of wizards, warriors, giants and sprites!

Jacqueline Wilson takes her audience on a journey through her life in writing. Hear her talk about some of her best-loved characters including Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather – both now successful CBBC TV series, and her newest book Wave Me Goodbye, set in the Second World War.

Miranda Hart will entertain and inspire with the launch of her first children’s book The Girl With The Lost Smile. Packed with humour and happiness, the book is a contemporary comedy with a magical twist, and one that celebrates the power of the imagination and the magic of true friendship.

– The multi-talented former Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell, will introduce his final book in the Goth Girl series; Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony, along with live illustrations.

– Great British Bake Off winner and Junior Bake Off judge, Nadiya Hussain, shares favourite recipes and stories from her new cookbook for families, Nadiya’s Bake Me a Festive Story.

– One of Britain’s much loved actors, comedians and authors, Ade Edmondson, will talk about his love of books and what inspired him to become a writer. He will take his audience back in time with his latest book Tilly and the Time Machine.

Space scientist, author and BBC Sky At Night presenter, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, takes her audience on a journey through the constellations with her new book StarFinder For Beginners. Perfect for budding astronomers!

The highly acclaimed comedian and T.V. presenter, David Baddiel, talks about his brilliantly funny books The Parent Agency, The Person Controller and his most recent book, AniMalcolm.

Well-known Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon and author of the Arthur trilogy, Kevin Crossley-Holland, take an illuminating look at Norse mythology. A Q&A panel event for fans of Viking Gods such as Odin, Thor and Loki.

– Much-loved comedian, T.V. presenter and author, Harry Hill, talks about his fantastically funny book Matt Millz! Matt is desperate to be a stand-up comedian, but how can a 12 year old boy make it in the biz? Harry gives us some ideas.

Michael Rosen will be celebrating words – silly words, funny words, words you only use in your own family, new words, old words, and the very best words in the right order. Find out about his new books Jelly Boots, Smelly Boots and Uncle Gobb and the Green Heads and laugh your socks off.

Ben Faulks, A.K.A. Mr Bloom from CBeebies joins us for a super-fun and interactive event as he talks about his two books What Makes a Me a Me? and Watch Out Muddy Puddles.

– Our Young Adult (YA) programme includes BBC Radio 1 presenter and former fashion stylist, Gemma Cairney, with pop-culture obsessive Young Adult (YA) author Amy Alward, and author of Beautiful Broken Things (recommended by the Zoella Book Club) Sara Barnard, to talk about all things teen when it comes to book hot picks. Other big names in our YA programme include Alex Bell and Sharon Gosling; Jess Butterworth, Sarah Driver and Amy Alward; Frances Hardinge, Lucy Saxon and Maggie Harcourt.

– We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book Philosopher’s Stone, with a fun and interactive quiz with the four Hogwarts houses. Children will have the chance to take part in a sorting ceremony, a game of Quidditch, potions classes and much more. We also have award-winning artist and illustrator for the Harry Potter books, Jim Kay, who will talk about his ideas and inspirations behind bringing some of the most iconic characters to life.

Another birthday to celebrate. The Cat in the Hat is 60 Years old so we’re bringing to life Dr Seuss’s iconic tale with all of its original mayhem and madness. There will be stories, rhymes galore and a special appearance from the Cat in the Hat himself.

Our favourite characters will come to Bath, including Doctor Who, Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh, Elmer, Mog, Mr. Men & Molly Mischief, not forgetting the Moomins. We’ve also included some T.V. favourites such as Operation Ouch! Horrible Histories, Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

A series of Masterclasses will be on offer. Author and ace cartoonist, Joe Berger, will teach children how to create stories and craft your own comics; and Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler (Danger Mouse, Thunderbirds Are Go!, Shaun the Sheep) reveal the secrets of writing for some of the biggest names in children’s T.V. For adults interested in children’s literature, accomplished author, Joanna Nadin, will offer a class on how to write fiction for 8 to 12 year olds, from crafting character to creating a brilliant plot; and best-selling (YA) author Clare Furniss will help adults tackle some of the main issues (YA) writers face through writing exercises and engaging discussion.

For the first time, the Festival will be launching a virtual bookshelf filled with reading ideas and reviews on our website. Festival authors, partners, publishers and school children will be encouraged to take part.

For more information and to book tickets for the events, go to www.bathfestivals.org.uk