Hull’s much-loved family festival The Big Malarkey returns to East Park THIS weekend (Sat 25 and Sun 26 June) with everything from literary legends to whizz-bang science demos.
So much more than books, grab your family, friends and imagination, and get ready to gather once again in Malarkey Park to enter a world beyond the stories.
Hosted by Hull Libraries, What’s The Story? is the theme for 2022, as East Park is transformed into a colourful festival village with a host of opportunities to meet authors, illustrators, artists, thinkers and scientists.
A festival of ideas, creativity and discovery, this year’s programme is diverse and engaging with more events than ever for older children.
With so much going on, we’ve been through the programme and highlighted 9 things you won’t want to miss:
- Meet award-winning performance poet and author Laura Dockrill, author of the Darcy Burdock series (Saturday 12.15 and 2pm)
- Catch up with Phil Earle, local author and winner of the British Book Awards Fiction Book of the Year When The Sky Falls (Saturday 2.30pm)
- Learn how to draw with Lucasfilm and Doctor Who illustrator (and son of Hull) JAKe (Saturday 11am)
- Find your musical truth in a workshop with writer and BBC6 music broadcaster Jeffrey Boakye (Sunday 2.30pm)
- Booklove, new for 2022 this multicultural traveling book carnival offers an abundance of inclusive and anti-racist books, and a specially–curated programme of music and storytelling to celebrate Windrush Weekend. Normally most of these authors would be working in London, so it’s super exciting to welcome them to Hull this weekend (all weekend).
- For 6-16-year-olds, a bigger Writers Bloc returns for 2022. From songwriters to broadcasters, historians and storytellers, unlock the joy of playing with words as you’re invited to write and submit your own stuff (all weekend).
- Go wild in the Stone Age and try your hand at fire-lighting, cooking over an open stove and campfire storytelling with Rewilding Youth (all weekend)
- Be one of the first to get your hands on a new library card at the Library Tent – choose from seven exclusive designs created by Hull artist Lydia Caprani (all weekend)
- Not forgetting a host of outdoor and pop-up activities and performances, including storyteller Ian Douglas, The Herd, Bish Bash Bosh, The Aristocrats, and Calvin Innes’ Doodle Room (Sat & Sun)
Where is Malarkey Park?
Malarkey Park is in East Park. The park is located to the east of the city centre, on Holderness Road, (HU8 8JU).
The festival site is situated on the field towards the football and rugby pitches – the nearest entrance is Holderness Road.
Where can I park?
Vehicle entrance is via Woodford Leisure Centre, Holderness Road.
What time does the festival open?
The festival takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June, at East Park gates open at 10am.
Do I need a ticket?
You will need a ticket to access the festival site – it will be swapped for a wristband at the gate. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door, but to be sure of a ticket you’re advised to buy one in advance from branches of Hull Libraries or at www.thebigmalarkeyfestival.com,
How much are tickets?
Advance tickets cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children (1-16 years), £14 for a group of 2 adults and 2 children. Babies in arms go free, disabled adults £4.
Can I get a ticket on the gate?
Yes a limited number of tickets will be available on the day. Tickets purchased at the festival gate will be priced at £6 for adults, £3 for children and £16 for a family group.
Is the festival accessible?
The Festival is an inclusive, Relaxed event, accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The site is wheelchair friendly, with disabled toilets. Many events are BSL interpreted – please check individual event details.
What happens if it rains?
​​An open-air event is subject to the weather. In case of rain we will try to continue the programme as far as safety allows – please check the forecast, and bring wet weather gear!
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Kiosks serving light refreshments will be available, and there is plenty of room for picnickers. Alcohol is not permitted on site.