We’re all for hosting famous people, programmes and things of all kinds here in Manchester, and now comes to turn of the one and only Blue Peter. Book-lovers are in for a treat at Manchester Central Library later this month, as Blue Peter, the BBC’s iconic children’s TV series is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency on an exciting new project – Blue Peter Book Club Live.
It launches in Manchester Central Library on Saturday 18 May with a fun-filled, free event, open to all and the chance to meet Blue Peter presenters Abby, Joel, and Shini along with Henry the Blue Peter dog. Discover the brilliant books in the Blue Peter Book Club and celebrate the joy and adventure of reading with guest authors Eve Ainsworth and the Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.
Families and children will also be able to join CBeebies presenters George Webster and Gyasi Sheppi for magical story times and enchanting escapades.
A book-inspired art installation created by 10,000 local school children, creative crafts, special story times, masses of books and a chance to meet some magical classic book characters will make it a day of adventure and fun where classic stories come to life in the library.
Meet book characters to journey into Wonderland with Alice and the Mad Hatter, enter the whimsical world of Willy Wonka and Violet as well as Peter Pan and the dastardly Captain Hook in his pirate ship.
The Blue Peter Book Club Badge Trail also launches on the day which challenges children to discover special Blue Peter badges on display in 12 different cultural venues across Manchester, with a bonus badge in the Blue Peter Garden in Salford.
Children will also be able to discover the Blue Peter Book Club booklist in unexpected settings as part of a series of “Book Hunt” events in Manchester parks and open spaces over the summer. Libraries and schools across the UK can also join in with Blue Peter Book Club Live using activity packs and reading resources developed by The Reading Agency to create a nationwide celebration, which can be found here.
Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency, said: “The Reading Agency is delighted to be partnering with Blue Peter and Manchester Libraries on this exciting new initiative to inspire children’s love of reading. Blue Peter Book Club Live will bring the magic of books and storytelling to life and we hope it will spark curiosity and imagination in young readers in Manchester and across the whole country.”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “Enabling children and young people to enjoy creative and culture experiences is a priority for the Arts Council and The Blue Peter Book Club Live is a great opportunity for them to discover the joy of reading in their local community.
“I’m pleased that we are supporting the project through our National Lottery Project Grants programme to fund some exciting activities for families across Manchester and I’m really looking forward to attending the celebration event at Manchester Central Library.”
A special episode of Blue Peter Book Club Live will be shown on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, at 5pm on Friday 24 May.
📍 Visit Manchester Central Library at St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD.