The Big Malarkey Festival is Back Celebrating Children’s Books and Stories! Hull Libraries’ annual extravaganza celebrating children’s books and stories is back in East Park Hull.
The Big Malarkey Festival returns to ‘Malarkey Park’ from 23 – 29 June starting proceedings with the James Reckitt Reading Conference on Monday, followed by a week of activities for schools, including the James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Awards where children aged 7 – 11 years will meet the authors and choose their favourite book in a live vote.
The family friendly festival weekend takes place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June 2025 from 10am – 5pm with this year’s theme asking “What If…?”
Combining information, arts, science and storytelling, the festival will share answers and creative ideas in every tent! Once you have your ticket to come through the gate, all the shows and activities are completely free. You can take your crafts home and even win a free book on Hook a Book!
There are shows to watch, authors to meet, doodles to draw, stories to write, places to relax and lots of fabulous books to buy or borrow. Whether you purchase food on site or bring a picnic, we guarantee you’ll have a fabulous day – there is something for all the family to enjoy.
To help you to plan your visit here’s a quick overview of what to expect at the festival this year. We’re welcoming lots of fabulous authors, dancers, illustrators and theatre shows to the festival including:
Emma Carroll, Helen Rutter, Mike Barfield, Chris Mould, Circo Rum Ba Ba, One Tenth Human, Memorabubble, The Herd, Concerteenies, Arctic Explorer Dr Huw Lewis Jones and Drake Music.
The Big Top will be buzzing with lots of exciting shows to enjoy. At 10.30am we’re starting the day with The Royal Institute and their Energy Live show – you can expect fabulous experiments to demonstrate the energy all around us. With fire, bubbles, and rocket launches they’re sure to get the festival off to a great start! There’s a second chance to join them at 4.00pm too.
Simon James Green will be taking to the stage 12.30-1.30pm for a laugh-out-loud and feel-good session which has reading for pleasure (and kids squawking like chickens!) at the heart of it! Join Simon for a whistle-stop tour of his hilarious comedy novels for 7-12 year olds. Simon will be signing books at The Rabbit Hole bookshop afterwards.
Alex Wharton is the current Children’s Laureate of Wales and an award-winning writer and performer of poetry. His debut collection, Daydreams and Jellybeans was hugely well received and since then he has published a further three collections of poetry. Join Alex in the Big Top from 2.00-3.00pm for a session filled with funny and thoughtful poems and then at the Rabbit Hole for a book signing. Not to be missed!
On Sunday, let the magic begin at The Museum of Marvellous Things from 10.30 – 11.30am, where the impossible can happen! Make stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages, and marvel at the many wonders on display inside this amazing place. Because this is a museum like no other. It’s made from the magic of your imagination – and you get to bring it alive! Meet giant puppets, characters Norbert Norris and Tilly T Pott as they give you a sneak peek inside this extraordinary museum, full of magical effects, live music and chance to make your own puppet.
At 12.45 – 1.45pm join Queen of Historical Fiction Emma Carroll as she introduces the magical world of her brand-new novel, The Houdini Inheritance! Discover everything there is to know about the world-famous escape artist Harry Houdini and his suitcase full of secrets! Plus, pick up tips on how to fire your imagination and write your very own stories.
Join us from 2.00 – 2.30pm as we launch this year’s Hull New Theatre pantomime to the city – Beauty and the Beast. There will be autographs and selfies – oh yes there will!
At 4.00 – 5.00pm Penguin Blue and his friends are in for a surprise! It all starts with a windy day and a brand new kite… Concerteenies musicians and Polly Ives (narrator) will perform new music by Paul Rissmann based on the book by Rob Biddulph. Vic Craven’s illustrations will bring the book to life on the big screen! With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect way to end your day at The Big Malarkey Festival.
Festival brochures are out and about in libraries and selected venues around the city, or you can check out the festival programme here and start planning your very own Big Malarkey adventure!
Tickets are available to buy online in advance or from all branches of Hull Libraries, or can be bought on the door (OTD)
• £3.50 Child (under 1yrs free) / £4.50 OTD
• £6.50 Adult / £7.50 OTD
• £18.00 Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) / £22.00 OTD
• £5 Disabled parent/guardian + 1 free carer’s ticket
• £30 Weekend Pass tickets (admits 4)
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must be accompanied by a child.
The Big Malarkey Festival is produced by Hull Libraries and brings together authors and illustrators, poets, storytellers, musicians, makers and animators. It provides stacks of opportunities for children and young people to get inspired, get creative and discover the wonderful world the city’s libraries offer.
