Children & Families
Friday 03 October
Friday 03 October
11AM-1PM
For Children & Families
Create & Craft
'Create and Craft' is a weekly craft drop-in led by volunteers, covering a range of crafts from card-making to cross stitch. Equipment and resources are provided for the sessions but feel free to being your own tools and supplies, or even your own project to continue working on in the company of other crafters.
Booking
Not required
Venue
Rugby Library
Friday 03 October
11AM-1:30PM
For Children & Families
Rhyme Time
Join us for Rhyme Time, a delightful session filled with songs and rhymes designed especially for 0–2-year-olds, their parents, and carers. This interactive experience is perfect for bonding with your little ones while enjoying playful melodies and rhythmic fun. It's also a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and carers in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Come along, sing, and share the joy of music and community.
Venue
Rugby Library
Booking
Not required
Saturday 04 October
Saturday 04 October
10:30AM – 12PM
For Children & Families
Creating Poetry: A Poetry Workshop for Young People with Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate
Join this special poetry workshop designed and hosted by Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate 2024/25, Ananditha Venkatramanan, suitable for those aged 8-17. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the art of poetry, where participants will engage in crafting their own verses, igniting their imagination and practicing their writing skills. Come along and immerse yourself in the world of words, surrounded by fellow poetry enthusiasts in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Venue
Rugby Library
Saturday 04 October
11AM – 4PM
For Children & Families
Crafty Critters @ The Book Fair
TIGBY ON TOUR: Where Magic Meets Nature!
Join Tigby & Jojo for a fun-filled, hands-on adventure that will spark creativity and wonder in every child.
Make a Sensory Bug!
Craft your own magical insect using mixed media, paper, and fabric in our nature-inspired art workshop.
Browse Tigby’s Magical Books
Pick up a copy at a special show price and dive into tales that ignite the imagination.
Explore Organic Nature Journals
Perfect for recording magical finds, sketches, and nature adventures.
Stories, Crafts & Natural Wonder Await! Let your child’s creativity bloom in a world where magic and the outdoors come alive.
Suitable for all ages.
Venue
Rugby Central
Booking
Not required
Saturday 04 October
2PM – 3PM
For Children & Families
Lego Club
Join us for a fun and creative Lego Club, where children aged 4-11 years can bring their favourite book characters to life using Lego! This engaging session encourages imagination and storytelling as kids build and design their beloved characters from books. All children must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone. It's a fantastic opportunity for young builders to showcase their creativity, share their love for books, and enjoy quality time with their families. Come along and let your imagination soar with Lego.
Venue
Rugby Library
Booking
Not required
Sunday 05 October
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
For Children & Families
The Story Trail
Sunday 05 October
11AM – 4PM
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.
Collect your Story Trail map from the Rugby Literary Festival information point at Rugby Central Shopping Centre. There are specific times and limited numbers based on a first come first served basis. The Trail is free and runs between 11AM and 4PM.
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!
Venue
Rugby Town Centre
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
For Children & Families
Lego Club
Sunday 05 October
2PM – 3PM
Join us for a fun and creative Lego Club, where children aged 4-11 years can bring their favourite book characters to life using Lego! This engaging session encourages imagination and storytelling as kids build and design their beloved characters from books. All children must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone. It's a fantastic opportunity for young builders to showcase their creativity, share their love for books, and enjoy quality time with their families. Come along and let your imagination soar with Lego.
Venue
Rugby Library
Booking
Not required
Sunday 05 October
2:30PM – 3:30PM
For Children & Families
Book Magic
Join us for Book Magic at Rugby Library, a delightful event for children aged 4-11 where participants are invited to immerse themselves in enchanting stories and engaging craft activities. It's a wonderful opportunity for young readers to explore new tales, unleash their creativity, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon. All activities are designed to spark imagination and foster a love for reading. Come along and experience the magic of books and crafts in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Venue
Rugby Library
Booking
Not required
What’s On
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