Horrible Sciences

Waterstones, the UK's largest book retailer, has partnered with Wychwood Festival to curate the most extensive Children’s Literature Festival line-up featuring CBeebies Nina and the Neurons, the award-winning Philip ‘Beardy’ Ardagh, Horrible Science series illustrator Tony de Saulles, Zeus On The Loose author John Dougherty plus much more. Taking place within the grounds of the prestigious Cheltenham Racecourse and set to the backdrop of the Prestbury Hills from the 8th-10th June, Wychwood Festival is the UK's leading boutique, family festival boasting the most comprehensive programme for younger festival goers. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

Having cemented its position on the festival calendar as the leading family event of the summer,Wychwood Festival is proud to announce its Children’s Literature programme for 2012. Readers from young to old will enjoy a variety of events programmed by authors to tantalize and inspire any individual’s love for stories, reading and literature. 

CBeebies show Nina and the Neurons will escape from the science lab to visit Wychwood for some Sunday story telling delighting audiences and shedding light on the mysteries behind our brilliant bodies. Philip Ardaugh, described by The Independent as “A National Treasure” is the award-winning author of over 70 books including the 'Eddie Dickens Adventures' and 'Unlikely Exploits' and boasts collaborations with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on his first children’s book and is also a reviewer of children’s book for The Guardian newspaper. Talking about everything from why he writes and how he writes, to where he gets his inspiration from and his love of ducks, Ardaugh is one authors will not want to miss. 

Award-winning illustrator of the 'Horrible Science' series and Cotswolds local Tony de Saulleswill be holding dedicated Horrible Science Cartoon Drawing Workshops whilst children’s author, Ian Whybrow will be entertaining all with his latest series from 'Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs'. 

Anna Wilson will be talking about her animal themed adventures and Stroud’s favourite 'Zeus on the Loose' author John Dougherty will showcase his talented poetic skills along with songs to enchant and amuse with his silly -style. Elen Caldecott will share her passion for books and her love of inventing characters. 'Operation Eiffel Tower' is her latest wondrous creation taking ordinary people and making them do very extraordinary things. 

Shoo Rayner will join the programme as a leading international children’s author and illustrator. He is well known for his commitment to the cause of struggling and newly-independent readers while children love his pacey, highly-illustrated, funny, thoughtful stories based on unforgettable characters. Jamilla Gavin will be talking about her experiences of living in both the foothills of the Himalayas and Wychwood’s local town of Stroud and how this culminated in her writing books reflecting her experiences as a multi-racial child.  Finally, Belgium born K J Wignall will offer his sophisticated plots and elegant prose.

Wychwood's Children's Literature Festival sponsors, Waterstones made the following comment: “Waterstones is delighted to be official bookseller for the Wychwood Festival this year and we look forward to the Children's Literature Festival being an exciting, integral part of the festival experience. We hope that readers of all ages will enjoy the variety of author events programmed for the festival and feel inspired to develop their love of stories, reading and books. The Festival bookshop will be situated on site in the literature tent where events and signings will take place. Waterstones main bookshop can be found at 33-41 The Promenade, Cheltenham. Festival goers should also make sure they visit the Roald Dahl Museum tent for swashbuckling storytelling and crafts. Keep your eyes peeled whilst exploring the Children's Literature Festival as you may spot Winnie the Witch, Where's Wally or Floppy the Dog enjoying the Wychwood sunshine! Our 2012 line-up includes the following authors.” 

TICKET INFORMATION:     

Weekend Festival Tickets
Weekend Adult: £115
Weekend Disabled 2 for 1: £115
Weekend Youth/Concession: £55
Weekend 5-9 Year Old: £15
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed) 

Day Festival Tickets
Friday Adult: £37
Friday Youth/Concession: £24
Friday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Friday 5 - 9 Year Old: £10
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed) 

Saturday Adult: £53
Saturday Youth/Concession: £40
Saturday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Saturday 5 - 9 Year Old: £10
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed) 

Sunday Adult: £43
Sunday Youth/Concession: £30
Sunday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Sunday 5 - 9 Year Old: £10
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed) 

Booking Fees
Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket): £2, Cheque/PO: FREE, Postage & Recorded Delivery: £3              

Camping Passes (Weekend)                                                                                 

Adult Weekend: £20            

Adult Weekend in Campervan/Caravan/Live in Vehicle: £35            

Weekend Youth/Concession Weekend: £10            
Under 16 Weekend: FREE         
Camping Passes (Day)
Adult Day: £10
Adult Day in Live in Vehicle: £15
Youth/Concession Day: £5
Under 16 Day: FREE
Please Note: Customers should indicate if they intend to bring under 5s as they will be issued with a ticket in 2012.Tickets on sale HERE For full extensive lineup of music and Childrens Literature Festival click HERE