London’s largest children’s literature festival has unveiled an exciting new programme including Sir Michael Morpurgo and Julia Donaldson ahead of the event in June.

 

Returning for its sixth year, the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival is back with a bang with a new programme including Jacqueline Wilson, Lauren Child and David Almond.

 

This comes just days after the reveal of their new poster illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

 

Speaking in a media release about the transfer into ‘real life’, director Amanda Brettargh said Barnes is ready to ‘celebrate the end of the era of literature festivals in living rooms and get back out there and do what we do best.'

 

'We've got plenty of room to move here in Barnes and we're confident we can deliver the maximum amount of book fun and keep families, our authors, illustrators, performers and volunteers safe.’

 

The move comes after the success of the lockdown Pet Parade in February.

 

'This has been a really tough year for so many people, and Zoom has been a life saver. It's opened doors that we didn't have before and we've all learned so much but we strongly believe that we can build something better. And for those who feel ready and safe to do so, it's time for normal festival life to resume. It's time to get those kids back in the room for some fun with books,' Brettargh said.

 

The Barnes Children's Literature Festival returns from 17-25th June 2021.