Seaside Splash to Celebrate National Bookstart Day

Families of pre-school children across Cheshire East are invited to a special event to highlight the fun of sharing books.

Cheshire East Council is holding a seaside-themed activity day in Nantwich town centre next Friday (June 11) to celebrate National Bookstart Day.

Events begin at the library at 9.30am where under-fives and their parents and carers are invited to join a bear hunt.

The fun then moves out to the town square where families will be able to meet Bookstart Bear and take part in ‘rhyme time’ sessions at 10am, 11am, 12noon and 1pm.

Throughout the event, which runs until 2pm, there will be face painting, crafts, a raffle, prize draw and goody bags available for all.

The day’s activities will be officially opened by Cheshire East Deputy Mayor Roger West and closed by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

Co-ordinated by the independent charity Booktrust, Bookstart encourages parents and carers to enjoy books with their child from an early age.

More than 4,000 events are expected to take place across the UK to celebrate National Bookstart Day, which this year has a seaside theme.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: “As well as being one of the most satisfying activities you can share, reading with your child helps him or her to develop a lifelong love of books.

“Cheshire East Council is a keen supporter of Bookstart and we are delighted to support this national event.

“As well as the flagship event in Nantwich, activities will be taking place at children’s centres, libraries and pre-school settings across Cheshire East, so families won’t have to travel far to take part in this special day.”

For further information on Booktrust and Bookstart please email bookstart@cheshiresharedservices.co.uk