Book Tastic goes online

Rather than cancel Bedford’s annual children’s book festival, organisers of Book Tastic have decided to take the event online.

Book Tastic was supposed to return to the town in May with a packed programme including some of the biggest names in children’s books. However, with the restrictions in place due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it wasn’t going to be possible to host it in the usual way. It is hoped that by taking the festival online, it will allow people across Bedfordshire and further afield to tune in.

Festival Director, Rachael Rogan, told reporters: “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm from the book industry for our idea. As soon as we contacted everyone to break the news, they were full of fantastic ideas to deliver a virtual festival live into the homes of families and this means we can now extend the reach of the event beyond our usual audience, so it’s actually become a genuinely exciting opportunity.”

The event, which is now in its 6^th year has worked with a number of big names in Children’s literature including the children’s laureate and bestselling authors including Cressida Cowell. This year, the festival promises to be bigger than ever with authors Steve Cole and Harriet Muncaster, illustrators David Litchfield and Katy Riddell and winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards, Vashti Hardy, all on the bill.

Find out more and where you can tune in on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/booktastic.bedford/