Dive into the world of storytelling at free family event
Published: 15 June 2022
Children will be able to dive into the world of storytelling and the written word at a free family event in Exeter next month.
‘Word Play’ comes to the Positive Lights Project in Sidwell Street on Saturday 2 July between 10am and 3pm, and looks like being a real page turner!
The event has been organised by InExeter, the city’s business improvement district. Positive Lights Project is a not-for-profit organisation that uses visual arts to engage and inspire a diverse range of audiences.
Last year the City Council awarded Positive Light Projects £12,558 from its Strategic Fund to help move into their new home. The money helped the organisation build a creative and cultural working and teaching space in an old disused retail space in Sidwell Street.
‘Word Play’ celebrates literacy in all its forms, inspiring young minds to engage with reading and writing outside school through a range of workshops and activities designed to encourage creative writing and drawing.
Tom McLaughlin, local author and illustrator of The Cloudspotter (Bloomsbury) and illustrator of the Captain Boots series of picture books (Puffin) will be running an interactive session which will include reading and drawing activities, as well as time for questions.
Other attractions include a professional storyteller who will be performing hourly - showcasing interactive stories from around the world, poetry workshops run by Kev Payne, plus dressing up, role play and creative stations for wand and puppet making.
Word Play has been organised by Lottie Stanley, InExeter Markets Manager. Lottie said: “Using your imagination is such an important skill. This event has been organised to instill a love of storytelling in children and to inspire the authors, poets, and illustrators of the future.”
In addition to the activities, Waterstones bookshop will be there, Exeter Library will be promoting their Summer Reading Challenge and Library Services, a creative toy stall by Selva Designs plus refreshment stalls.
Word Play is a free event, aimed at children twelve and under. For more information, please visit https://www.marketsinexeter.co.uk/whats-on - there is an Eventbrite ticket system where people can register their interest if they plan to attend. Positive Lights Projects is located at 184-187 Sidwell Street.