Photo (c) Luke Witcomb
Photo (c) Jack Barnes
Summer Fun
Writing Workshops for Children
Dates and times as shown below
8 Sunset Walk, centre:mk
Milton Keynes MK9 3ES
Free
Age: 5+
NB: Places limited and pre-booking required
All children must be accompanied by an adult
This summer, join MK Lit Fest for fun free children’s activities in centre:mk! We’re putting on three events for families and children aged 5+ that are all about words, writing, reading and the wonders of books. All three workshops take place in the centre:mk shopping centre, in a unit at 8 Sunset Walk, near Marks & Spencer.
Book your place now and come along to explore marvellous myths, play with poetry, and bring stories to life with your own exciting drawings! After the events, we’ll be displaying some of the participants' creations to inspire the people of Milton Keynes and to show just how imaginative the city’s children are!
Please note that all children/groups must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the workshop. Places are strictly limited: please pre-book.
Thursday 7 August: 2.00 - 3.00pm
Mythology and Me with Jennifer Claessen
In this fun-filled workshop with children’s author Jennifer Claessen, you’ll explore mythology and folklore. There will be ancient puzzles, evil kings, rubbish heroes, and plenty of chances to use your imagination.
Jennifer Claessen is the author of A Month of Magic trilogy beginning with The October Witches, contemporary magical novels for 8-12 year olds. Her new book, Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime, stars an impatient girl (because Jenny writes what she knows!). Jenny teaches creative writing to brilliant young writers at Ministry of Stories, Mayfair Library, First Story and elsewhere, and brilliant almost-grown-ups at City Lit and Arts Depot. Most recently, she programmed ‘Write for Joy’, an inclusive literary festival. As well as stories, she really likes big scoops of ice-cream and tiny tattoos.
More about Jennifer:
Wednesday 13 August: 2.00 - 3.00pm
'There's a Zoo in my Head!' with Helen Bowell
In this playful workshop with poet Helen Bowell, we'll be writing poems about animals, pets and mythical creatures that are overrunning Milton Keynes! Bring your imagination with you as we play with words and follow our favourite furry... or scaly... or hairy... friends on their wildest adventures.
Helen Bowell is a poet and workshop facilitator who on different days can be caught resurrecting dead women poets, collaboratively translating poems, performing at festivals or running hands-on writing workshops for young people and adults. She edited the world's first anthology of bi+ poets, Bi+ Lines (fourteen poems, 2023) and produced the Poetry Translation Centre's 20th birthday programme (which she can be seen celebrating in her author photo).
More about Helen:
Tuesday 19 August: 11.00am - 12.00pm
I'm Just Drawn That Way with Alex WIllmore
In this creative workshop with children's author and illustrator Alex Willmore, we'll be telling stories through words and drawings. He'll help you come up with some brilliant new characters and bring them to life on the page. You don't need any experience to come along!
Alex Willmore is an author and bestselling children’s book illustrator.
Since he could first hold a pencil, Alex has been drawing characters, bringing each to life with a sense of mischief and fun. A love of fun storytelling and growing up on 80s cartoons lead Alex to write his own books, which combine captivating characters and quirky exploits, along with a positive moral message. Alex currently lives in his hometown of Northampton with his wife, two sons, and their chihuahua.
More about Alex:
These events are supported by
