Hull Libraries’ much-loved Big Malarkey Festival is back this summer with a weekend of brilliant family fun celebrating children’s books, stories and creativity. This year’s theme, “What If…?”, invites children to imagine new possibilities through storytelling, science, art and performance – all wrapped up in a magical festival setting.
Once you’re through the gate, everything is free to enjoy – from hands-on crafts to author sessions, puppet shows to science experiments. Kids can even win a free book on Hook a Book and take home everything they make.
Expect a packed programme of theatre, music, talks, readings, workshops and more from exciting guests including Emma Carroll, Simon James Green, Alex Wharton, Helen Rutter, Mike Barfield, Chris Mould, Circo Rum Ba Ba, One Tenth Human, The Herd, Concerteenies, and Arctic Explorer Dr Huw Lewis Jones.
Highlights include:
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The Royal Institute’s Energy Live show with experiments and rocket launches (Sat 10.30am & 4.00pm)
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Simon James Green with a hilarious reading session (Sat 12.30pm)
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Alex Wharton performing live poetry (Sat 2.00pm)
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The Museum of Marvellous Things – a magical puppet show and immersive experience (Sun 10.30am)
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Emma Carroll introducing her new book The Houdini Inheritance (Sun 12.45pm)
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A special panto preview of Beauty and the Beast (Sun 2.00pm)
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A musical storytime with Concerteenies (Sun 4.00pm)
Bring a picnic or grab food on-site and make a day of it – there’s something for all ages, and you’re welcome to relax and explore at your own pace.
Tickets:
£3.50 Child (under 1s free) / £4.50 OTD
£6.50 Adult / £7.50 OTD
£18.00 Family (2 adults + 2 children) / £22.00 OTD
£5 Disabled parent/guardian + 1 free carer
£30 Weekend Pass (admits 4)
Tickets are available online or from any Hull Libraries branch.
Children must be accompanied by an adult – and adults must be accompanied by a child!
For full programme details, visit thebigmalarkeyfestival.com or grab a brochure from your local library.
