Swiss Cottage Library was transformed into a den of fantasy over the weekend as children’s authors brought their books to life with games, interactive readings and DJ sets.
The Pop Up Festival of Stories saw an array of authors and artists fill the library in Avenue Road with colourful sets and costumes designed by the Royal Opera House.
Lasting two days, attendees included youth activist Zena Edwards, illustrator Chris Mould, eco storyteller Rich Sylvester, fantasy author Sarwat Chadda, translator Sarah Ardizzone, fairy tale writer Jane Ray, poet Kayo Chingonyi, African song and storyteller Usifu Jalloh, picture book author Thomas Docherty and the award-winning author of Artichoke Hearts Sita Brahmachari.
Described as a like a “travelling circus”, highlights included a 1950s-era jazz bar with cabaret, an enormous mobile installation of an enchanted city and DJ’ing by 84-year-old acclaimed author Lynne Reid Banks.
Supported by the Ham&High, organisers hoped the festival would “ignite imaginations, inspire future readers and writers, and build more literate communities”.
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