Love stories? Then this one is for you. The stories festival running from the 24th – 26th September 2021 is a collaboration with the Standard and is celebrating a diverse range of talent, including leading authors, poets, screenwriters, debut novelists. Expect to find groundbreaking comedians alongside the cast and crew of some of Netflix’s biggest shows. There will be live talks, readings and family workshops to get involved.
Where:: Picturehouse Central, Corner of Great Windmill Street and Piccadilly Circus, Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7DH
Tickets: Child £8, Adult £15 (£12 for Picturehouse members), Student £12 (£9 for Picturehouse members), Family Tickets £32 (for four) more info and booking here: https://www.stories.standard.co.uk/programme
Some family friendly highlights from the programme includes:
ROB BIDDULPH AND PEANUT JONES
Join Guinness World Record-breaking, award-winning and bestselling author/illustrator Rob Biddulph to celebrate the launch of ‘Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City’, the first book in his brand new middle-grade series for boys and girls. Fizzing with magic, danger, friendship and art, this exciting and funny adventure is just what you would expect from the creative genius behind #DrawWithRob. Find out more about the book, learn about Rob’s artistic journey and take part in an exclusive live Peanut Jones-themed episode of Draw With Rob
When: Saturday, September 25 10:15am – 11:15am
YOUNG, PASSIONATE AND FIGHTING FOR THE PLANET – THE RISE OF GENERATION GREEN –
Three young and influential climate and environmental activists, Scarlett Westbrook, Izzy Warren and Mya-Rose Craig join forces to discuss the impact of climate change and the steps they are taking to not only draw attention to it, but to actively make a difference. Also known as ‘Bird Girl’, at just 19 Mya-Rose Craig is the youngest person to spot half the world’s birds in the wild and her initiative Black2Nature encourages children from ethnic minorities to engage with conservation. 17-year-old Scarlett Westbrook is a leading voice on climate justice and the youngest person in the world to have an A-level in Government and Politics, which she achieved at just 13. Izzy Warren is a climate activist and a key member of the Youth Strike For Climate movement in London.
When: Saturday, September 2510:30am – 11:30am
MEET ROBIN ROBIN: IN CONVERSATION WITH AARDMAN ANIMATIONS
Meet Robin Robin: Join Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, creators and directors of Aardman’s new holiday special, for a lively interactive panel. The directors will give insight into stop-motion animation, and the techniques used, as well as providing a sneak peek of the puppets, including the main star of the film, Robin!
When: Saturday, September 25 12:45pm – 1:45pm
YOUNG, GIFTED AND GEEKY WITH HOLLY SMALE AND FRIENDS
Join Holly Smale, Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner Elle McNicoll and debut author and illustrator Abigail Balfe for an inspiring conversation about disability representation in young adult and children’s fiction. Be prepared to laugh, cry and revel in the brilliance of all three women as they strive to champion neurodiverse voices in this unmissable event.
When: Saturday, September 25 1:15pm – 2:15pm
SUPER POWERED: GREG JAMES AND CHRIS SMITH PRESENT THE GREAT DREAM ROBBERY –
Join the bestselling authors of the Kid Normal series Greg James and Chris Smith for an event beyond your wildest dreams. Based upon their new mind-bending book The Great Dream Robbery – prepare yourself for a hospital heist, some banana-loving llamas and a talking cat called Bin Bag!
When: Sunday, September 26 10:30am – 11:30am
#MERKY SUPERHEROES
Performance poet Sophia Thakur joins fellow writer Denzell Dankwah with tales from their inspirational book ‘Superheroes’ which encourages and empowers young people from every background to become their own Superhero.
When: Sunday, September 26 10:45am – 11:45am
Further programme details and website for more information here: https://www.stories.standard.co.uk/programme