Author and poet Michael Rosen performed to 400 children at Colden Common’s first ever Children’s Book Fest.

In an effort to contribute to Colden Common’s village life and future, local parish church Holy Trinity hosted a children’s book festival from June 23 to June 26 to encourage kids to enjoy books and take pleasure in writing.

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The festivities kicked off on Thursday, June 23 with a pop-up bookshop at the local primary school ran by Winchester bookseller P&G Wells. The shop was open throughout the event for parents and children to browse and buy from.

Ahead of his arrival, Michael’s books such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and poetry book On the Move proved very popular.

The world-famous author shared his joy in storytelling with the children on the school field before leading a training lecture on teaching poetry and prose.

The weekend saw a selection of activities including outdoor games, a book and jigsaw sale/swap and a fancy dress picnic.

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Prizes were awarded to both adults and children for the best bookish costume whilst a special prize was given for the most literary based picnic.

The winners were a family having a picnic themed on Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

All prizes were awarded on the final day of the festival at a ceremony at Holy Trinity church in Winchester, where the winner of the minisaga - one word titled story, made up of exactly 50 words - competition was also revealed.

A class of seven and eight year olds received a special award for their entry Joseph Twelve Sons.

Festival organisers gave thanks to Taylor Wimpy whose sponsorship of the prizes meant copies of both classics and newer titles could be given out.

Planning begins for Colden Common’s next Children’s Book Fest in 2024.

A spokesman for Holy Trinity said: “We are pleased to make a contribution to the life of our village and look forward to building this into a regular event."

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