Wychwood Festival proudly unveils its biggest Children's Programme to date

Wychwood welcomes the Booktrust for the first time alongside a dedicated Children’s Literature Festival, Roald Dahl Museum and a host of workshops including theatre, dance and art

31st May – 2nd June 2013, Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire

www.wychwoodfestival.com

Wychwood Festival, which takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from 31^st May to 2^nd June, has cemented its reputation as Britain’s best and original family festival by once again revealing an unrivaled children’s program across the weekend. Much more than just a music festival Wychwood leads the field when it comes to delivering entertainment that can be enjoyed by each member of the family, young or old. It is the only festival in the UK to have a dedicated Children’s Literature Festival in association with Waterstones, the UK’s largest book retailer, which hosts some of the biggest and best children’s authors the UK has to offer for a series of readings and activities. Not only this but the team from the ever-popular Roald Dahl Museum & Story Telling Centre will be returning this year to help children delve into the world of the classic author and for the first time this year Wychwood will welcome the Booktrust to the festival to educate children and parents alike in ways to make literacy fun. Finally, with over 70 workshops on offer, from musical theatre to Ukulele playing to clay modeling, there really is something for everyone at Wychwood Festival. For detailed information and tickets please visit the Wychwood Festival website.

The Wychwood Children’s Literature Festival brings together the most exciting talent in this imaginative world, giving youngsters the chance to meet their literature heroes as well as hearing stories told direct from their creators. This year Wychwood has unsurpassed itself with a number of aspiring children’s authors on the bill, including writer of the Henry’s House and Eddie Dicken’s Adventures series Philip ‘Beardy’ Ardagh. The award-winning author and Guardian critic will be reading from his popular Grunt series at the festival. In addition, Prague-born Petr Horacek who’s fine art training has translated into stunning picture and pop-out books such as Strawberries are red, will be attending Wychwood accompanied by a special friend, the Walker bear! Meanwhile rising talent Jo Empson responsible for the 2012 bestseller Rabbityness and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlist will be on-hand to make musical instruments from recycled materials with the kids, echoing the character from her picture book. Other highlights include Horrible Sciences illustrator Tony De Saulles, Zeus on the Loose author John Dougherty who’s poems, songs and silliness are extremely popular at Wychwood, as well as Shoo Rayner who’s infectious characters such as The Ginger Ninja are a huge hit amongst children.  A full list of authors confirmed to appear at the festival can be found here.

Wychwood Festival also welcomes back the team from the popular Roald Dahl Museum & Story Telling Centre, bringing with them their swashboggling storytelling and messy crafts complete with their very own Oompa Loompas. Children will be invited to participate in noisy storytelling from Roald Dahl’s classic  Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts or become the characters themselves through mask making.

If that wasn’t enough to keep the brood entertained, this year at Wychwood there are over 70 workshops catered to all ages, in fields spanning arts, history and culture. For instance, Cheltenham musical theatre company CAMEO Kids will inspire children to get involved with popular stage shows including Mamma Mia and Les Miserables, created using music, funky dance and quick-witted improvisation. Additionally the world’s most famous bubble man, SamSam the Bubbleman, will bring his internationally renowned bubble show to Wychwood for the first time. Experimenting with mixes, learning techniques and collecting toys has made SamSam a nine-time, Guinness World Record holder and a favourite at celebrity events. Lastly, for youngsters that like to get their hands dirty, Jon Mackey’s ‘Far Out’ workshop is just the activity, with a different theme every day to make models to. Build up a collection over the weekend and take away your favourites.

However Wychwood is not just for children, there is plenty on offer for adults to from Zumba to Yoga, belly dancing to African Drums, there is even a chance to be part of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain for a day with a dedicated Ukulele workshop suitable for complete beginners to strumming experts.

A few words from the much anticipated Wychwood authors…
“I really enjoyed being part of the Wychwood Children’s Literature Festival last year and was thrilled to learn that I had been the best selling author. I had a great fun meeting the children and signing books. This year I will be doing a workshop as well as a signing so I look forward to seeing lots of children at that.” Karen Langtree

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in this year’s festival. Meeting children and getting them involved in books and reading for pleasure is something I love to do. Hopefully we’ll have lots of fun with stories and messy activities!”  Julie Fulton

“I’m very excited to be drawing at The Wychwood Festival again this year. The Children’s Literature Festival at Wychwood offers a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to immerse themselves in the world of books for an hour or two before returning to the music. The atmosphere last year was incredibly friendly and relaxed, the ideal conditions for encouraging reluctant readers. I can’t wait – let’s hope the sun is shining on our book tent!”  Tony De Sualles

“I am delighted to be taking a break from my normal activities (eating cheese and brown sauce sandwiches, midnight trampolining and popping bubble wrap) to visit the Wychwood Festival this year. If anyone age 7+ is interested in mischief, general naughtiness, pant-waving and strawberry jelly, come along and join in the mayhem at the Waterstone’s tent at 4.30 on Saturday! I’m reading from my new series ‘The Abominators’ for children who like pranks, and there will be a fun guessing game at the end where children will have the chance to win copies of the latest book in the series: ‘The Abominators in the Wild’.”  J.L.Smith

Wychwood Festival boasts an eclectic and innovative programme that includes indie, folk, rock and world music with some of the most talented emerging artists on the UK’s music scene appearing alongside industry veterans and cult classics across an exceptional weekend of entertainment. This year’s ninth successive year will see revelers flock to the stunning Gloucestershire countryside to experience an utterly delightful atmosphere enjoyed by all the family, whether a toddler, a teenager, a parent or a festival reveler there truly is something for the whole family. Much more than just a music festival, Wychwood prides itself on its breadth of on site activities and with today’s announcement further solidifies its position as the UK’s leading family festival providing a unique experience for family members of all ages.  Weekend and day tickets are on sale now from the festival  website .

Ticket Information

Weekend Festival Tickets

Weekend Adult: £120 | Weekend Disabled 2 for 1: £120 | Weekend Youth/Concession: £55 | Weekend 5-9 Year Old: £15 | Under 10: FREE

Day Festival Tickets
Friday Adult: £37 | Friday Youth/Concession: £24 | Friday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
Saturday Adult: £53 | Saturday Youth/Concession: £40 | Saturday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
Sunday Adult: £43 | Sunday Youth/Concession: £30 | Sunday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE

Booking Fees
Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket): £2 | Cheque/PO: FREE | Postage & Recorded Delivery: £3
Tickets bought directly through the website have no booking fee attached.

Camping Passes (Day)
Adult Day: £10 | Adult Day in Live in Vehicle: £15 | Youth/Concession Day: £5 | Under 16 Day: FREE

Camping Passes (Weekend)                                                                                  
Adult Weekend: £20 | Adult Weekend in Campervan/Caravan/Live in Vehicle: £35 | Weekend Youth/Concession Weekend: £16 | Under 16 Weekend: FREE

Please Note: Customers should indicate if they intend to bring under 10s as they will need to be issued with a wristband.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION:
To purchase tickets call 01993 772 580 or visit the official festival website. Tickets bought directly through the website have no booking fee attached.