Meet authors, make crafts and explore the Book Nook at Cushendun’s first Children’s Book Festival
- Love Ballymena
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Old Church Centre, Cushendun
There’s magic in the air in Cushendun this November as the Old Church Centre prepares to host its first-ever Children’s Book Festival — a weekend packed with stories, creativity and imagination for young readers and their families.
Taking place on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November, the festival promises a full line-up of storytelling sessions, author visits, films, and hands-on activities designed for children of primary school age and younger.
Local authors Patsy Morrogh and Alice Rohdich will be among the highlights, reading from their books and chatting about their creative work.
There will also be a special Rhythm & Rhyme session for babies and toddlers, and spellbinding storytelling from Japanese-born storyteller Masako Carey, who will share tales inspired by her cultural heritage.
Children can let their imaginations run wild in the “No Grown-ups Allowed” Book Nook Library, where they can kick off their shoes and read to their hearts’ content, while parents enjoy a leisurely cup of tea nearby.
The festival also includes plenty of creative fun, from bookmark making and crafts to a Mini Book Shop and Tuck Shop for treats.
Young explorers can even play detective on the Red Squirrel Adventure Trail, and perhaps bump into some of their favourite storybook characters along the way.
The event’s organisers promise a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where kids can enjoy reading, storytelling, and film in equal measure.
“Kick off your shoes and read to your heart’s content in the Book Nook, get creative and Make a Bookmark, spend some time at our Mini Book Shop, visit our Tuck Shop for sweets and drinks, play detective on our Red Squirrel Adventure Trail, and don’t be surprised if some of your Favourite Characters pop up to tell their stories.”
Festival highlights
Saturday 1 November
10am: Rhythm & Rhyme for 0–4 year-olds with mums and dads
12pm: Author and illustrator Patsy Morrogh, known as the “Dinosaur Lady,” reads from her book and chats about her work
4pm: Movie – “IF” – A young girl discovers she can see everyone’s imaginary friends and sets out on a magical adventure to reconnect them with their children
Sunday 2 November
10am: Storytelling with Masako Carey
12pm: Author and illustrator Alice Rohdich shares her stories and creative journey
4pm: Movie – “Charlotte’s Web”, the heartwarming classic about friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte
Tickets and details
All events are suitable for children up to 11 years old, and a single ticket costs just £5 per child per day, allowing families to pop in and out throughout the day.
Full details and tickets are available at:
