WITH all the exuberance of a puppy, Big DoG brings a fun-filled new children’s book festival to Dumfries at the beginning of the Easter holidays next month. With whiskers twitching and tail wagging in anticipation, and with some help from the Wigtown Book Festival, Big DoG can’t wait to share the delights in store for the whole family, from the tiniest Under 3s to their bigger siblings, parents, grandparents and friends.
So who is Big DoG?
Remember Nana, who reigned over the children’s nursery in Peter Pan? The dog who knew exactly which books and stories her young human charges loved; this dog was the inspiration behind the title of this festival, and the dog who still knows and understands today’s children and what they like best.
More than 25 events over long weekend (7-9 April)
Many favourite writers will be at venues across Dumfries taking part in nearly 30 events. Becoming havens for children and their families will be the Theatre Royal, Robert Burns Centre, The Observatory, The Usual Place and the Park opposite the Ewart Library. And it’s all about stories; stories read, stories told, stories danced and stories in film.
Katie Morag’s in town
Katie Morag’s much-loved creator, Mairi Hedderwick will read from her latest adventures, as well as talking to grown-ups about her own life. Renita Boyle, whose stories are such a vital element in Wigtown, will focus on squirrels, skunks, acorns and canoes to provide family fun; Emily Dodd, famous for CBeebies ‘Nina and the Neurons’ will introduce the smallest people to Ollie the osprey and Isla the otter, while Debi Gliori will tell her enchanting tale of a dragon in need of an egg.
For older children there’s a session of creative dance based on themes from Peter Pan, as well as Peter Pan The Graphic Novel, an opportunity to make shadow puppets, and a chance to use their artistic skills making a bookbag, an activity that could get a little messy. A free concert for all ages from the talented Bookshop Band focuses on music inspired by books, there will be a chance to explore the Theatre Royal led by J.M. Barrie himself, and an Arts and Crafts Drop in Event.
This Festival has been created by the Wigtown Festival Company and the team behind Wigtown Book Festival. Artistic Consultant Adrian Turpin said:
“We hope that BigDoG will become not only a resource for children and parents in Dumfries & Galloway but also a draw for visitors from further afield as it grows in future years.”
Big DoG will ensure festival goers will find their way around by leaving a trail of paw prints in the Town Centre, and will offer great value Day tickets for up to five family members. So now is the time to get booking.
The first ever BIG DoG event is supported by The Robertson Trust & Dumfries and Galloway Council. GRAHAM Construction is the biggest sponsor.
For tickets contact:
Wigtown Festival Company, 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9HN
01988 403222 Mon-Sat 10am- 4pm Sun 12noon-4pm
http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com
