Hooked on Books Children’s Literary Festival

28 June 2013


An exciting new festival of children’s literature, which will take place in the grounds of Eastnor Castle near Ledbury. The focus of this event is the performance of children’s literature, through drama, storytelling, illustration, arts and crafts and audience participation.

Hooked on Books will see an impressive line up of children’s authors who will be reading from their books, including:

Polly Alakija - Monday 12th to Thursday 15th August
Sally Pomme Clayton – Monday 12th August 
Hannah Shaw – Tuesday 13th August
Jessica Souhami – Wednesday 14th August
Paul Cookson - Thursday 15th August

Competition for local children

As part of the event we are promoting a short story writing competition for local children. Children are asked to write a castle-themed story of no more than five hundred words. Furthermore each entry should be supported by a front cover illustration, using whichever media is preferred.  Whether it be knights in shining armour, damsels in distress or ghostly ghouls,  stories must be set in a castle and above all, be original and entertaining.

Prizes will be awarded for the best short story and illustration in the following categories:

Children aged 5-7 years
Children aged 8-11 years

The best short story in each category will win a £25 book voucher, a Family Privilege Pass for free entry for 2 adults and 3 children to Eastnor Castle and Grounds for 12 months and an Eastnor Castle goody bag.

We will also select one overall competition winner, who will receive all of the above and have their short story beautifully produced in hardback form to keep as a memento. Furthermore, the winning story will be read by one of our guest authors during the Hooked on Books festival.

Entries must be sent to:

Sarah Littlewood, Castle Office, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury HR8 1RL

Please ensure that the name, postal address, telephone number, email address and Age of the child is written on both the story and the accompanying illustration.

All entries must be received by Friday 19th July and the winners will be notified by Monday 29th July.

For any queries please telephone 01531 633160 or email enquiries@eastnorcastle.com