Croydon youngsters are to be offered a free day of “bookish fun” at the Ashcroft Theatre in the summer as part of the annual London Schools Literature Festival.

The Whitgift Foundation is sponsoring the day’s activities, which will be organised by the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, the country’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, with more than 100 author events, performances, workshops and activities for young book fans and their families.

The Ashcroft Theatre event, being staged on Wednesday, June 17, will be the first time that the festival has run events in Croydon.

Roisha Hughes, the chief executive of the Whitgift Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Barnes Children’s Literature Festival coming to Croydon.

“Reading is one of life’s great pleasures, and the benefits of reading for children and young people are huge. We look forward to a special day of events that encourage a love of books and storytelling for children in Croydon.”

Adventure story: Hannah Gold is one of the authors appearing at Croydon’s book festival

The Croydon children’s literature festival will include Joseph Coelho, a former Waterstones Children’s Laureate, and illustrator Fiona Lumbers sharing their latest Luna adventure with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

Neill Cameron, the creator of the Donut Squad comics, will host an interactive workshop suitable for children in Years 3 to 6.

And international bestselling author, Hannah Gold, will introduce her latest thrilling tale of Arctic adventure, The Lone Husky, suited to children in Years 4 to 6.

Amanda Brettargh, the director of Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, said: ‘We’re so proud to be partnering with John Whitgift Foundation to bring our free London Schools Literature Festival to Croydon for the first time for the National Year of Reading.

“We believe in the magic that happens when children meet the author of a book they have read in class and the lasting impact that this can have, so we just can’t wait to bring the schools of Croydon together with their favourite authors to share the power and the joy of reading and writing.”

Free places for the events at the Ashcroft Theatre on Wednesday June 17 can be booked via the Festival website https://www.londonschoolslitfest.org/

The free events taking place at Ashcroft Theatre on Wednesday 17 June are as follows:

10am Neill Cameron

Do you like drawing? Of course you do! But do you like donuts? Again, silly question. But, have you ever tried putting them together and drawing donuts? Well now you can, in this fun interactive workshop with Donut Squad superstar comics creator Neill Cameron! Find out how to draw beloved characters like Jammyboi, Spronky and Chalky The Ghost Donut! Discover how to create your own bizarre and improbable new characters! And learn everything you need to know to start creating your own hilarious comedy comics (About donuts!). Suitable for: Years 3 to 6

11.30am Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers

Join Joseph Coelho, and amazing illustrator Fiona Lumbers, as they share their latest Luna adventure, Luna Loves Sport, and discover that you don’t need to be the best to enjoy trying new sports! Suitable for: Reception, Years 1 and 2

1pm Hannah Gold

Hannah Gold introduces her latest thrilling tale of Arctic adventure, The Lone Husky. Prepare to be inspired by the Waterstones and Blue Peter Children’s Book Prize-winning author of The Last Bear, as she shares how real-life animals inspire her books and her passion for protecting our planet, and test your knowledge with her wild animals’ quiz, too! Suitable for: Years 4 to 6

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