The Festival Family Day

Sponsored by

Sunday 5th October
11AM – 4PM Rugby Town Centre
FREE – Suitable for all ages.

Join us for Family Day. Explore a magical Story Trail, dive into creative workshops, meet your favourite characters, and enjoy a day full of imagination, stories and fun.

The Story Trail

Collect your Story Trail map from the Rugby Literary Festival information point at Rugby Central Shopping Centre and then go on a trail of adventure around Rugby town centre, enjoying a variety of fun activities and storytelling adventures. On finishing the trail don’t forget to collect your goody bag.

Along the way, enjoy these magical activities:

  • Storytelling with Ernie Boxall – enchanting tales for children from 6 to 70!

  • Magical Bookmarks – create your own story-inspired keepsake from MDF cutouts

  • Face Painting – transform into a favourite character with a splash of colour

  • Listen to a Poem – meet poet Ian Ward and hear whimsical tales of Woosal, Tousal and Sousal

  • Fancy Dress Contest – come dressed as your favourite character for a chance to win a prize!

  • Meet the Characters – take selfies with beloved storybook favourites

  • Design a Book Cover – turn recycled scraps into a stunning, one of a kind book cover

  • Stories and Songs – animal tales by Steve Boyer and lively songs with Steve Redshaw (aimed at ages 5–9 and their families)

  • Truth in the Booth – step into the School of Rap CIC’s recording booth to rap, sing, recite poetry or tell a story

  • Story Tree – discover a magical tree where stories grow. Add your own tale to its branches!

Finish the trail and collect your free goody bag!

About Tritax Big Box

Tritax Big Box REIT plc, a FTSE 250 company, is a leading owner, manager, and developer of critical logistics real estate in the UK. With strategic sites nationwide, it offers development opportunities and sustainable, modern buildings of all sizes. Each year, Tritax Big Box delivers millions of square feet of high-quality industrial and logistics warehouse space, supporting major brands in retail, logistics, consumer goods, automotive, and TV/film. Guided by strong values, the company forges lasting relationships with its clients and investors while contributing positively to the community, providing both established and growing businesses with the space and infrastructure they need to thrive.

Free Children’s Workshops

All workshops are free, but booking is essential as places are limited

Sunday 05 October
10AM – 11:30AM

For Children & Families
Character Design Children’s Workshop

What does it take to create a popular children’s book character? Join local illustrator Jessica Hartshorn (Jessi Illustrates) to learn how to invent a new character from your imagination. The session will include drawing games, illustration techniques and drawing and painting a new character.

Suitable for Ages 7 - 14 ( adults must stay).

Venue
Confirmed on Booking

Sponsored by

Sunday 05 October
10AM (age 7-9)
11.40AM (age 10-12)
1.30PM (age 7-9)
3.15PM (age 10-12)

For Children & Families
Step into the story with 'Make Believe a Story'.

Dive into a world of imagination, in our fun filled, storytelling through drama workshop. Jump into drama games, create curious characters, dream up daring adventures and then bring your own short story to life and take to the stage.

Places will be limited, so don’t miss out. Email makebelieveastory@gmail.com to request a simple application form. A copy of your confirmation email from us will be required on the day.

Session length approx 70 mins.

Venue
Confirmed on Booking

Sponsored by

Sunday 05 October
10AM - 11AM (Workshop 1)
12PM - 1PM (Workshop 2)
1.15PM - 2:15PM (Workshop 3)
2:30PM - 3.30PM (Workshop 4)

For Children & Families
Alice in Wonderland workshops day

Fall down the rabbit hole and join Funstar Education for a magical day of Alice in Wonderland-themed workshops. Perfect for children aged 5–11, this bookable event offers a creative journey through one of the most beloved story worlds of all time. Across four fun-filled workshops, children will explore Wonderland through:

Arts & Crafts – Create Wonderland- inspired pieces

Drama – Step into the shoes of iconic characters through fun role-play and interactive storytelling.

Dance & Sing– Learn group dances and songs inspired by the magic and madness of Wonderland.

Games & Activities – Play imaginative, themed games that bring the story to life while encouraging teamwork and creativity.

Cost: £1 (to be reimbursed)

Venue
Confirmed on Booking

Sponsored by

Sunday 05 October
1PM - 3PM

For Children & Families
Books with Pockets Children’s Workshop

Create a fantasy mini picture book with local artist Jessica Hartshorn (Jessi Illustrates) with envelope pockets to hide the story in. Is it a pocket containing a treasure map, recipe, love letter or train ticket? You decide in this fun illustration workshop.

Suitable for ages 7 - 14 ( adults must stay).

Venue
Confirmed on Booking

Sponsored by

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