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Google is to support a new family arts and literature festival, which is taking place during autumn half term in London.
The internet giant will make 300 tickets to main theatre events at Word Up! available to low-income families referred to organisers through partner organisations such as Kids Company and the National Literary Trust’s London Literacy Champions scheme. The festival will run from 22nd-24th October.
“Pirates of the Caribbean” actor Mackenzie Crook and former children’s laureate Jacqueline Wilson will form part of the line-up for Word Up!, with Michael Morpurgo, Francesca Simon, Judith Kerr and Penelope Lively also on the bill.
Patron Michael Rosen said: “Word Up! is a guaranteed success, reaching right into the hearts and minds of thousands of children. We desperately need this festival to happen so that children who might not otherwise come across live literature get a chance to explore the thoughts, feelings and ideas that come with books. This is the team to do the job and I look forward to working with them.”
Events will also include family workshops with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and interactive storytelling of Peepo!, The Moomins and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. There will also be workshops, stalls and a community stage.