World Book Day children's festival to be broadcast nationwide
16th February 2012
A number of acclaimed authors and illustrators are coming together for the first ever online children's book festival, which will take place as part of World Book Day 2012 and be broadcast around the UK.
On the morning of March 1st, writers including Jacqueline Wilson, Cressida Cowell and children's laureate Julia Donaldson will take part in a series of performances for the 'Biggest Book Show on Earth' event at London's Southbank.
It will consist of two broadcasts - one taking place between 9:30 and 10:00 GMT, aimed at pre-school children, and another from 11:00 until midday, for older children.
Each will feature famous faces taking to the stage to perform excerpts from classic books and answering questions from children around the UK.
The live-action performances will also feature illustrators Axel Scheffler and Nick Sharratt, as well as members of the Royal Shakespeare Company's musical production of Roald Dahl's Matilda.
Donaldson said that youngsters from around the UK will have a chance to watch the events unfold at home and in libraries, as well as online, where children from other counties will also be able to view the performances.
'I'm so excited to be part of World Book Day's Biggest Show on Earth. It's a fantastic way of bringing children together to meet some of the country's very best authors and illustrators. We can't wait to transport millions of children to exciting new worlds,' she added.
The event is one of many taking place to celebrate World Book Day, which aims to promote reading and literature among young people across the globe.