Kingston First launch Kingston Literary Festival for children and here is what to expect this December.

The sales of Children's books rocket during the festive period and to celebrate this Kingston First has launched the inaugural Kingston Literary Festival.

The Festival is running for five weeks, having started on November 18 and going through to December 16 with lots of exciting events to enjoy and take part in, designed for children aged 0 to 12.

Parents and children alike are invited to listen to some of their favourite ‘festive’ and ‘non-festive’ tales from some amazing authors.

Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First said: “This year, we are absolutely delighted to be hosting some of the UK’s best loved children’s authors to launch our very first Kingston Children’s Literary Festival. We hope that it captures the hearts of children and becomes a firm family favourite on the Christmas calendar for years to come.”

Guests include Olaf Falafel (Father Christmas Heard a Parp) and Tom McLaughlin (The Accidental Father Christmas’) to Piers Torday (There May Be a Castle PB), Maudie Powell-Tuck (Last Stop on the Reindeer Express) and Pete Johnson (Louis and the Laugh Series).

The events are all free and so are perfect for parents looking to entertain their children from now until Christmas.

So what’s coming up?

The 30 minute intimate readings will take place in a host of stores, cafes, theatres and galleries across Kingston town centre. The events are free but so you don’t miss out it is best to book your spaces in advance at www.visitkingston.co.uk.

Saturday, December 2

10.00am | Heal's | Lotte Moore, Scooter Fun

11.00am | Ultimate Outdoors | Doodles and Scribbles, Parrots Don’t Live in the City!

2.00pm | Bentall Centre | Olaf Falafel, Father Christmas Heard a Parp

4.00pm | Kingston Children's Library | Katherine Webber, Wing Jones

Thursday, December 7

3.00pm | Dept. Coffee & Social Affairs | Maudie Powell-Tuck, Last Stop on the Reindeer Express

4.00pm | All Saints Church | Tom McLaughlin, The Accidental Father Christmas

Saturday, December 9

10.30am | DoubleTree Hotel | Katherine Woodfine, The Midnight Peacock

11.30am | Kingston Children's Library | A. Bello, Emily Knight…I am awakened

3.00pm | Kingston Children's Library | Jeremy Davies, The Advent Calendar

Saturday, December 16

11.00am | DoubleTree Hotel | Piers Torday, There May Be a Castle

2.00pm | Kingston Children's Library | Christian Darkin, The Present Machine

Book your free tickets here - visitkingston.co.uk