Friday 14 September
5-6pm: Poetry Competition Prize Giving
Poet and broadcaster Roger McGough will present the prizes for the Chiswick Book Festival Young People’s Poetry Competition. Now in its 8th year, the competition attracts entries from many local schools and is supported by ChiswickW4.com.
London Buddhist Vihara on The Avenue, free, but ticket required
Saturday 15 September
11am-12 noon: The Really Big Pants Theatre Company: SUDDENLY…!
Really Big Pants is a theatre company specifically for primary-aged children. They wrote their storytelling show, SUDDENLY…!, to celebrate and encourage literacy, using recognisable elements of traditional tales (and some really big pants) to inspire and entertain, and they have performed it to thousands of children in schools, libraries, bookshops, theatres, and at lit fests. In 2018 they were thrilled to launch a chapter book adaptation of the show, along with two extra stories featuring Grandma and Red. Willow and Joe are both avid readers and love nothing more than a great book. Apart from cake maybe… This is their third appearance at the Chiswick Book Festival. (Ages 5-11). Supported by The Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys.
Marquee, £3
1-2pm: Julian Clary: The Bolds
Comedian, entertainer and writer Julian Clary introduces you to The Bolds in Trouble, the latest in his best-selling series of adventures about a family of hyenas living in an ordinary suburban street. An unmissable event packed with wildly hilarious readings in Julian’s unique style and lots of laughter. (Age 7+)
St Michael & All Angels Church, £5
1-1:30pm: Crab and Whale: Mindful Storytelling
Crab and Whale is a delightful story that gently introduces mindfulness to young children. Author Christiane Kerr will read the story and invite the audience to participate in simple and fun activities.
The Tabard Theatre, £2
1:45-2:15pm: Invincible Voices: Zoe Antoniades
Back by popular demand Zoe Antoniades brings to life this creative collection of stories for children by children. (Ages 6-10).
The Tabard Theatre, £2
2:15-3:15pm: How to be Hilarious: Gareth P Jones
Join children’s author and performer Gareth P Jones for a lesson in hilarity. The Daily Joker has a rib-tickling joke for every day of the year, along with weekly joke challenges guaranteed to turn you into the class clown. This show contains funny stories, groan-worthy gags, silly songs, super fast rapping, top tips and games guaranteed to have you ROFL. (Ages 6-10)
St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, £3
Sunday 16 September
12-1pm: Hats of Faith
Learn about the shared custom of religious head covering at the Hats of Faith interactive workshop which includes a live reading, fun, games, dressing up and craft activities. See www.hatsoffaith.com
St Michael & All Angels Church, free, but ticket required