Top Authors Headline Barrow’s First-Ever BookTastic Festival

A stellar line-up of award-winning children’s authors will descend on Barrow for the town’s first BookTastic Children’s Book Festival this month.

Hundreds of primary pupils will have a chance to be inspired face-to-face by their literary heroes at the event running at Barrow Town Hall from 16-20^th June.

Schoolchildren chose their favourite authors from a longlist submitted by top publishers in a pupil-led vote last year.

The impressive programme they selected includes author-illustrator Sophy Henn known for the Bad Nana series, disability advocate Patrick Kane, author of Human 2.0, multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy Patrice Lawrence MBE and celebrated poet and children’s author A F Harrold.

BookTastic is a national literacy movement founded by Barrow-born Rachael Rogan, a passionate literacy advocate. Having launched BookTastic in Bedford in response to local literacy needs, Rachael is now thrilled to bring the initiative home.

“Barrow has a fierce spirit and a strong sense of community. It’s the perfect place to show how books can bridge gaps, open doors, and bring people together,” she said. “The children helped pick the authors—they’ve had a real say in what the festival looks like. That sense of ownership is what makes this so magical.”

Leading the Barrow launch is Assistant Headteacher of Ormsgill Primary School Laura Reid, who won the Love Barrow Teacher of the Year Award in 2023 for her work to promote literacy and a love of reading through founding the Ormsgill Book Festival.

She is delighted that the event she began at Ormsgill School, which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, has grown into something much bigger and will be open to even more children across Furness.

“Meeting a favourite author is often the moment a child starts seeing themselves as a reader—or even a writer. These incredible authors will not only inspire, they’ll empower children to believe they belong in the world of books and ideas.”

For the event, Barrow Town Hall will be transformed into a vibrant literary landscape with bespoke storybook-style designs by local artist Hannah Willetts, creating an immersive experience and memorable experience.

BookTastic is part of a wider mission to raise literacy levels and promote a love of reading across the community. Each child will receive a free, signed copy of the author’s book to take home.

The event is proudly supported by Team Barrow, which is a partnership between Government, Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE Systems, established to help transform the town, including delivering improvements across education. BookTastic directly supports Team Barrow’s mission by increasing educational opportunity, promoting emotional wellbeing, and helping every child believe they belong in the world of books and ideas.

Other partners include Furness Education & Skills Partnership (FESP) and the Westmorland and Furness Library Service, who are contributing vital resources and expertise.

Ormsgill Primary School Year 5 pupils Phoebe and Jake said they were really looking forward to the visit.

Phoebe said: “Last year we met Jennifer Killick and Frank Cottrell Boyce, they were really inspiring and I’m excited to meet the authors this year.”

“We have started Human 2.0 by in class and it already makes me want to read more of these kind of books,” said Jake.

The festival will take place 16th to 20th June at Barrow Town Hall.

Featured Authors:

• Sophy Henn – Author-illustrator of beloved series such as Bad Nana, Pom Pom, and Lifesize. Henn’s debut Where Bear? was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. She served as World Book Day Illustrator in 2015 and 2016. (Monday/Tuesday)
• Patrick Kane – Disability advocate, motivational speaker, and author of Human 2.0, a powerful nonfiction title that explores medical innovation and resilience. Kane, a triple amputee fitted with a bionic arm, has carried the Olympic torch and spoken at TEDxTeen. (Wednesday)
• Patrice Lawrence MBE – Multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy and other critically acclaimed young adult novels. Lawrence’s accolades include the Waterstones Prize, YA Book Prize, and an MBE for Services to Literature. (Thursday)
• A F Harrold – Celebrated poet and children’s author, known for combining humour and emotional depth. Harrold is a winner of the UKLA Book Award and British Book Design and Production Award and has been recognised by numerous national book prizes. (Friday)

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