Hundreds of pupils attend WORD Schools Festival

Hundreds of Primary and Secondary pupils will hit the University of Aberdeen campus this week for the WORD 08 Schools Festival, sponsored by Talisman Energy (UK) Limited.

Over 820 book-loving youngsters have signed up for the sold-out series of events, which run from Tuesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 8.

Helping kick the Festival off today (Tuesday, May 6) is North-east legend Sheena Blackhall, who will entertain pupils from Barthol Chapel, Woodlands and Seaton Primary School with traditional stories poems and songs aboard the Reading Bus.

Over the three days she will be joined by:

• Anti-bullying campaigner Julie Hegarty, whose beautifully illustrated books take young readers into the colourful underwater world of Michelle the Shell;
• Alison Parfitt from the University's Marischal Museum, who will lead a fascinating hands on activity session on hieroglyphics;
• MC and Mayhem – the Aberdeen-based hip-hop stars for a workshop on rapping;
• Moira Munro – creator of the hugely popular picture book series Hamish the Bear;
• Storyteller Grace Banks, who will lay bare the secret stories of artefacts from the natural world;
• Siobhan Convery from the University's Special Libraries and Archives. Youngsters will learn about the art of making books, try their hand at using a quill and discover hidden treasures in the University collections;
• Steve Augarde. The best-selling author will demonstrate the art of the pop-up book and read from his new novel, Winter Wood;
• And much more, including a special Techfest event and a 'Kodaly' workshop with Jane Duffield.

Word spokesman Patrick McFall said: "The range of activities at this year's Schools Festival is fantastic, so it came as little surprise when the entire programme sold out within days of places being opened up to local schools.

"The Festival, and what it offers to local youngsters, free of charge every year, continues to be a real source of pride for the University. Campus promises to be absolutely buzzing over the next few days which is always great to see, and a wonderful taster for the main Festival which starts on Friday."

WORD 08 will take place from May 9-11, 2008 in the grounds of the University of Aberdeen and at some of the major arts venues throughout The Granite City.

An expected 11,000 visitors will be treated to a packed weekend of readings, music, art exhibitions, and film screenings from around 50 authors, poets and artists.

Tickets are still available for a number of events and can be booked by contacting Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641 122 or online at www.abdn.ac.uk/word/tickets