The Big Bookend 2012 – in Review
The first Big Bookend was a weekend of inspired words and adventure. The festival was not just about books and reading, it was about stories, creativity, fun, fantasy and facts. There was something for all ages, whether you were a Small Kid or a Big Kid.
Our headliner was the internationally renowned and award winning author, Joanne Harris whose books include Chocolat. Joanne talked about her life, inspirations and her latest novel, Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure.
For The Small Kids…
For the Small Kids there was the hugely popular Cathy Cassidy, author of the Chocolate Box series.
Well known children’s illustrator Kate Pankhurst who ran a family illustration workshop.
We heard from the massively talented Matt Irvine, creator of K9, who worked on Robot Wars and Blake’s 7.
The brilliant Gillian Rogerson, author of You Can’t Eat a Princess and the Children’s History of Leeds.
As well as the zany, nonstop author Steve Cole of the Slime Squad, Cows in Action and Astrosaurs fame.
For The Big Kids…
For the Big Kids we kicked off with the international bestselling crime thriller novelist Peter James.
A fabulous panel event: Women, Sex and History with Anne O’Brien, Hallie Rubenhold, Jane Borodale and Gabrielle Kim.
Mick McCann, author of How Leeds Changed the World and Anthony Clavane, author of The Promised Land hosted an event which included surprise guests and performances.
For beer lovers, Simon Jenkins, author of the Great Leeds Pub Crawl hosted a tutored beer tasting.