THE BIG MALARKEY FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2026

2026

SAT 2

0 JUN

MALA

National Year of Reading 2026

E

RKEY

SUN 21

PARK

JUNE

RK, H A P T S EA

ULL

• WRItERS • POETS • cARtOONiSTS • ARTiSTS • ILLuSTRATORs • MUsicIANS • PERfORMERS •

HELLO! Hope you have

a great time!

stery It’s a Malarkey My

!

and we’re very tional Year of Reading Na the D AN val sti y Fe th It’s the 9 Big Malarke larkey Park. everybody back to Ma me lco we to ed cit ex h puzzles, collecting ’ll be filling the park wit we and ’ ry! ste my a s ‘It’ most fun mysteries in This June our theme is ing some of the best and lor exp and ians, ses gui dis strators, dancers, music clues, dressing up in of fabulous authors, illu s lot home e e hav tak ’ll to we ne e urs ryo the City. Of co e books for eve to enjoy, as well as fre es ani mp co e atr the artists and stall. from the Hook-A-Book iting with your on, solve puzzles by wr ssi mi ret sec a e let mp to co for everyone. So, take Whether you’ll choose e we’ve got something tur ven Ad tive and the tec De the places to explore toes or join in a Great spaces to get creative, the d fin es, clu the your time, look for ws and stories. play games between sho chilled areas to relax and bunting - let’s see the park - find us by the We’ll see you down at ether! steries we can solve tog how many Malarkey My

4

Photo credit: Tom Arran 2025

The site has al l kinds of marquees fo r different activi ties BIG TOP

Parisi Village

For talks, demos, live music & performance

Rewilding Youth invite you to meet your Celtic ancestors

MAKERSPACE

Wonderland

Digital tent of wonders

MAKE IT, TAKE IT

Try all kinds of creative stuff to take home with you

LIVE & KICKING

Smaller performances, talks and workshops

LITTLE LARKEYS

A sensory walk-through adventure, created by Concrete Youth Theatre Join award winning cartoonist and illustrator Calvin Innes & special guests

BookLove

The Multicultural Travelling Book Carnival: multicultural books and more

LET’S WRITE!

The Rabbit Hole

THE EXPERI-TENT

QWERTY YURT

Accessible art and technology

the

THE DOODLE TENT

For everyone under 5 and their grown-ups Drop by for some fun writing activities

Don’t miss

LIBRARY T

ENT

Bookshop for browsing and book signings A chill out space to relax

+ lots more fantastic HAPPENINGS, food kiosks, AND of course, ice creams!

5

You will need a ticket to access the festival site – it will be swapped for a wristband at the gate.

We will make a limited number of tickets available on the door, but to be sure of a place, please purchase your ticket in advance - they are cheaper too!

Wristbands are also availalable from any Hull library.

• Child £3.50 / £4.50 OTD • Adult £6.50 / £7.50 OTD • Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £18 / £22.00 OTD • Disabled parent/guardian + 1 free carer’s ticket £5 • Weekend Pass (admits 4 Saturday + Sunday) £30 Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must be accompanied by a child!

6

BOOK TICKETS

www.thebigmalarkeyfestival.com 7

WET WEATHER An open-air event is subject to the weather. In case of rain we will try to continue the programme as far as safety allows – please check the forecast, and bring wet weather gear!

FOOD & DRINK Kiosks serving light refreshments will be available, and there is plenty of room for picnickers.

Alcohol is not permitted on site.

AGES Please note the age recommendation for each event. These are guidelines, intended to help you plan your visit and have the best experience for your children.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN This is a family festival and all activities are designed to be enjoyed by children accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied children and adults will not be able to enter the site. It is ok to leave and re-enter the site with your family. If you lose each other please contact a steward.

8

Created by Vladimir Belochkin from the Noun Project

Malarkey Park is in East Park, Hull.

The park is located to the east of the city centre, on Holderness Road, Hull, HU8 8JU. The festival site is situated on the field towards the football and rugby pitches - the nearest entrance is Holderness Road.

Pedestrian entrances are at Holderness Road, East Park Avenue, Summergangs Road, and James Reckitt Avenue.

Cycle parking is available at the café, model boating pond, Animal Education Centre, boathouse, playground and youth zone.

Buses from the City Centre include the numbers: 4, 8, 11, 56, 57 Ticket holders: Vehicle access & parking via main Holderness Road entrance. Non-ticket holders: Vehicle access & parking via Woodford Leisure Centre, Holderness Road.

9

ENVIRONMENT We are working to become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly festival in 2026, and beyond...!

• • • •

Increasing recycling options on site Reducing festival waste Working with local and sustainable partners and suppliers Considering the environment in our purchasing and selection decisions

You can help us to become more sustainable by: • • • • 10

Travelling to the festival by walking or on public transport Bringing drinks bottles with you Using the recycling bins on site to keep recyclable items separate to food waste and non-recyclable items Recycling your festival wristbands via your household recycling

access The festival is an inclusive, Relaxed event, accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

The site is wheelchair friendly, and will have track matting on site to support wheelchair users in wet weather.

Please visit our website to: • View our social story

There will be accessible toilets and a changing places toilet on the festival site.

• View our digital programme

Many of the events at the festival are relaxed, accessible and / or BSL interpreted to support access.

• Learn more about which activities are accessible

You are able to wear your ear defenders on site and are encouraged to bring any STIM toys that may help you to enjoy your day at the festival.

11

LIBRARY TENT rary Tent! ry own Lib e v r u o in r ilities activities, o ll the possib ur fun family o t u o Discover a d te ab ci n x e for free, lear ans will be the library . Our librari in ry jo o n st g ca in u o az Y am le up with an simply snugg to help you u! library tent e th in to meet yo e b so eye, or Team will al be a private ss ’ll e u n si yo u s B s ap e The Librari usiness. Perh your own b gn si e d d an creator? plan a crossword e b ’ll u yo e mayb agination. it is your im m li ly n o e Th

12

ALl WEek ENd 13

14

ALl ENd k e E W

Join the Makerspace Team over the weekend for a tent full of interactive activities to whet your creative whistle and tickle your techy tastebuds!

Fun for all the family.

15

BookLove

Step aboard BookLove - the multicultural and educational travelling book carnival and charity tent.

You’ll love BookLove’s colourful interactive pop-up shop filled to the brim with an abundance of things to browse, buy and enjoy! Inclusive and anti-racist books, world music, flags, storytelling, and of course great vibes!

16

This year BookLove founder Samantha Williams is pleased to bring Mariesa Dulak to The Big Malarkey Festival.

20p from every book sold goes towards their BookLove+Beyond GofundMe which puts free multicultural books into schools

THE RABBIT HOLE Visit The Rabbit Hole indie bookshop for browsing, book signings and special guests. @therabbitsbrigg @therabbits21 @the_rabbithole.bookshop_

www.therabbitholebrigg.com 17

THE HERD There is definitely not a Hidden Playground at this year’s Big Malarkey. So don’t even try and find it.

Definitely don’t search the tents for a secret entrance that leads to a world of play. There is absolutely NOT a hidden space where you will receive a secret play mission. This is 100% not a space where you can dress up, build, imagine, adventure. There is no HIDDEN PLAYGROUND to find.

NOPE. DEFINITELY, ABSOLUTELY NOT.

THE DOODLE ROOM Join award winning cartoonist and illustrator, Calvin Innes in the Doodle Room.

He’ll show you how to convert story ideas from your imagination, through your pen and onto a blank page.

He’ll be joined by guest artists Ben Rothery, Salomey Doku, Eric Huang, Kev F Sutherland, Liz Million, Tasneem Kausar, Kate Thompson and the Wollstonecraft Society.

See listings for details.

18

ALl Nd WEekE

WONDERLAND

This show is designed for audiences labelled with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, from award winning theatre company Concrete Youth.

THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS: Far beneath the rolling waves lies a world of shimmering light and rhythmic tides. While the maps of the surface world call it “lost,” the citizens of Atlantis know better - their city is vibrant, breathing, and waiting for you.

Join our three aquatic guides on a sensory journey through the heart of the deep.This isn’t just a story; it’s a full-sensory expedition. Feel the cool rush of the currents, witness the glow of bioluminescent gardens, and hear the melodic hum of a city that never sleeps. Our mer-folk will lead you through their home, proving that the magic of Atlantis is very much alive. Please pop by and book your time slot to avoid queues.

19

MAKE IT, TAKE IT Spy Disguises Explore how changing your appearance creates mystery and secrecy by joining Squarepeg Arts for a hands-on, drop-in workshop where you can create playful spy disguises using paper moustaches, glasses, beards and hats, and then design ALl your own Spy W EekE Nd ID cards.

20

Let’s Write!

Are you aged 6 – 16? Do you love to write? Drop by for some fun writing activities...

It’s a Mystery!

Join Dr Ed Hurst and Creative Writing students from the University of Hull in their drop-in writing workshop - collaborating on a Whodunnit of epic proportions!

Add hidden rooms to a mysterious mansion, plant some plot twists that no one saw coming, and save your best reveals until right at the end. Join the Story Detectives and uncover the secrets hidden in your imagination.

ALl Nd E k e WE 21

This year you’ll find the Hull M useums and Hull History Cen tre teams in th e Big Top! Strike a pose! G et your mugshot ta ken with the History Centre and then explor e m ysterious objects from the Museum Collect ion. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

AL WEe l kEN

Join the team from Curiosity for questions, crafting and quizzical curios.

This is your chance to ask a question just grab and become a star on the socials or us. with ent cont te a pen and help crea 22

d

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Hull’s award-winning hip hop artists are back with a bus-full of workshops to explore the magic of music, and the power of sharing.

ALl Nd WEekE

Drop by for rap, poetry and spoken word workshops. Have a go at graffiti style lettering and drawing, or create a breakdancing routine with your friends. It’s all about friendship, kindness and imagination – come and enjoy!

23

ALl WEekENd

MEMORABUBBLE Look out for swirling colours and clouds of bubbles!

Memorabubble will be on site throughout the weekend with their amazing, interactive bubble show.

Don’t miss the grand festival finale on Sunday when Memorabubble will be doing an extra special Bubble Stage Show in the Big Top.

24

ALl ENd k e E W

PARISI VILLAGE Step into the Parisi Village and journey back in time to discover how our ancestors learned to resource, build, and thrive in the natural world.

Through playful, hands-on, and interactive activities, visitors of all ages can become history detectives, uncovering hidden clues and ancient mysteries through the lens of the Parisi Tribe.

Explore natural materials, experiment, imagine, and connect with the skills, stories, and ingenuity that shaped life long ago!

25

A Mysterious Musical Malarkey!

Join Drake Music in the Experi-tent for a fun, accessible, music-making adventure tailored to the access requirements and interests of those taking part.

Using accessible musical instruments we’ll explore the sounds we can make, then put our ideas together to create music we can share with friends and family after the workshop.

Saturday’s workshops: • 10.10am - 11.30am • 12.15pm - 1.35pm Sunday’s workshops: • 1.45pm - 3.05pm • 3.30pm - 4.50pm

26

To chat about workshop suitability please contact michaeldollan@drakemusic.org

NOISY NOISE NOISE Noisy Noise Noise is an interactive sound library for noisy children and their grown-ups.

This interactive installation will make sure that everyone is seen and heard.

There are over 90 books, each of which will, when pressed with a gentle finger, trigger a noise. It could be a song, a film clip, a meme or just something a bit rude and funny!

It is the latest work from Working Boys Club, and produced by Activate Performing Arts.

Installation live: Saturday and Sunday: • 10.00am - 1.00pm

ALl ENd WEek

• 2.00pm - 5.00pm 27

28

L’HOTEL The “smallest hotel in the world” has arrived at Malarkey Park!

Watch amazed as this charming, eccentric, tiny venue erupts into glittering cabaret, dances into dream filled slumber and wakes to clattering kitchen choreography.

Acrobatics, globe walking, dead celebrities, French finesse, trumpeting and mime mayhem make this an enchanting show to delight an audience of any age or nationality.

Saturday and Sunday: • 12.45pm - 1.30pm • 4.00pm - 4.45pm

ALl ENd k e E W 29

Join young creatives fro m Artlink Hull’s Explorers in Lib raries project for the Make It Take It Takeover!

Get ready to explore loc al folklore and community belonging with artists Anna Bean, Liz Knight and Sharisse Ullah, and produce excitin g artwork to take away.

Saturday and Sunday • 10.00am - 12.00pm

30

Explorers in Libraries meet wee kly in term-time at Greenwood, Gipsyville and Ings Libraries. Interested in becoming an Art Explorer? Ask the artists or pop into your local library for info.

CHESS SESH Can you win a 5 minute chess match?

Join Hull and East Riding Chess Association in the Kaleidoscope tent at any time over the weekend to practice your game and challenge the experts.

Fancy playing in a chess tournament?

You can take part on Saturday and Sunday at 11.00am and 3.00pm.

All ages and abilities of player can join in.

AL WEe l kEN

d 31

MAGICAL MYSTERY STAR TRAIL An interactive augmented experience inviting children and families to uncover Hull’s hidden stars in a magical mystery adventure.

ALl d kEN WEe 32

Visit the Library Tent to pick up a star trail

Discover clues and unlock playful moments by scanning with a mobile device as the story unfolds.

Blending creativity, exploration, and a touch of Malarkey mischief, the trail sparks curiosity and imagination - leading to a final reveal where those who complete the journey unlock a special prize!

CREATIVE + TECH SUPERSTARS Join the Reel Creative team in the Experi-Tent for a playful, hands-on session where creativity meets cuttingedge technology.

•

Explore album cover design

•

VR music experiences

•

Create your own superstar avatars

•

Meet a robot dog

The session sparks imagination, builds confidence, and encourages selfexpression - inviting children to discover their talents in a fun, creative, and inspiring environment.

Saturday // 2.00 - 5.00pm Sunday // 10.00 - 1.00pm

33

HOOK A BOOK Catch a duck and win a FREE book!

Penguin Blue and his friends are in for a surprise! It all starts with a windy day and a brand new kite… Come fly away with Penguin Blue as he gets caught in a gust of wind and the adventure begins.

DRESSING UP

Concerteenies musicians and Polly Ives (narrator) will perform new music by Paul Rissmann based and - come illustrations on the book

by Rob will bring the book to life on the big uiseCraven’s liant disgVic a brilBiddulph.

Create g azin am e screen! With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a som h wit transform yourself perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. costumes!

34

ALl WEekENd Ear defenders a Looking for x place to rela al? at the festiv

and stim tools are free to borrow

lLA dThN e LibE rark y Tee nt offers W a quiet place to E relax Visit our Qwerty Yurt to relax and reset.

and read

35

The Wonders of Moominvalley 23 May - 6 September Ferens Art Gallery Free entry

36

WIN FREE TICKETS! Explore the magic of Moominvalley at Feren’s Art Gallery this summer with the acclaimed theatre company Get Lost and Found and their enchanting family show Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley.

Beloved characters including Moomintroll, Snuffkin, Little My, Thingummy and Bob will appear through beautifully crafted 2D rod puppets and life size 3D puppets, original Penguin Blue and andatmospheric his friends are in for a music, songs narration.

surprise! It all starts with a windy day and a Younew couldkite… win a Come free family ticketwith to see the brand fly away Penguin show on 22nd August 2026 by telling us your Blue as he gets caught in a gust of wind and the favouritebegins. story to share! adventure Concerteenies musicians and Polly Collect a free entry form from Ives Hull (narrator) willMuseums perform new music Paul based on in the BigbyTop orRissmann the Library Tent. the book by Rob Biddulph. Vic Craven’s illustrations will bring the book to life on the big screen! With

37

S

Y A D R ATU

6 2 E N 20 JU

PAULINE QUIRK ACADEMY Enjoy a packed weekend of performance and play at the Big Malarkey Festival!

Be inspired by PQA Hull’s Shakespeare pieces – two bite-sized adaptations brought to life by talented students aged 6–18.

10.30 - 11.45am 5+ years Big Top Theatre Show

39

Are you ready for a Great Adventure?

Can you follow the clues, interview suspects and work out the truth?

Join Hull Truck Theatre for a detective-themed story packed with laughter, creativity, and fun. Each Great Adventure starts with a craft session followed by a fun interactive play that makes use of the children’s colourful creations.

40

10.30 - 12.00pm / 3.30 - 5.00pm All the family Live and Kicking Theatre

Windrush Letters 11-12pm / 4-5pm All the family BookLove Writing

Go back in time and see what's inside the Travelling Windrush Suitcase. Filled to the brim with all things Windrush alongside the music from the time, this archive and memorabilia will be the inspiration behind our nostalgic letter writing workshop.

RWOOD MARTIN HAmusician and early

based Join Sheffield ood for Martin Harw or at uc d laughs. years ed an on ing, percussi singing, danc fun for kids ctive musical Super-intera s alike! and grown-up

11-11.40am / 3-3.40pm 0 - 6 years Little Larkeys Music

41

Michelle Robinson Guess Who With Michelle Robinson Meet author Michelle Robinson for an introduction to some of her famously funny characters. Can you solve the clues and guess which ones you're going to meet?

This will be an upbeat and interactive session, with a focus on finding pleasure in reading.

You can expect playful challenges, engaging storytelling and the inspiration to create stories of your own.

11.00 - 12.00pm 6+ years Let’s Write Creative Writing 42

d Weird an l animals fu wonder drawing workshop

nds-on In this ha ver Ben only disco rawing t you’ll no rd passion fo learn Rothery’s but you’ll s, creature tures l ic u p rf e ic d st n wo g reali in w ra d must r top tips fo rite animals too! A u o v fa ! of your ving artist animal lo for every

Story Car

t

11.15-12pm / 2.15-3pm All the family Malarkey Park Storytelling

11.00 - 12.00pm 5+ years Doodle Room Drawing

ne, the Watch out for Eden Ballanty Story Cart. his and ler ytel travelling stor t’s the story? wha but , tale a for n Settle dow decide, and help The audience together will a stage, into ms sfor as the story cart tran an adventure or two or help in join and up get maybe you will s to add to the story. bang a drum or rattle some bell 43

You can do anything Tyrone!

Join picture book illustrator and Leeds artist Salomey Doku for a ‘You Can Do Anything, Tyrone’ read-along and draw-along.

Come and meet the illustrator followed by a book signing.

44

12.00 - 12.45pm 0 - 6 years Little Larkeys Meet the illustrator + book signing

Fierce or Friendly?

What has been roaming about on the Big Malarkey festival field?!

Fierce or friendly?

Mysterious footprints...a weird egg... glowing eyes....a funny smell....

Let your imaginations go wild with top illustrator and author Liz Million as we illustrate creatures, beasts and weird characters.

In this child-led and fully interactive session you - the audience will choose what happens next...

Be sure to bring a spare pair of pants in case it gets too scary!

12.00 - 1.00pm 6+ years Big Top Drawalong 45

MALARKEY CHOIR + MALARKEY GALLERY A showcase of marvellous Malarke y artwork!

Including a performance by The Malarkey Choir (featuring pupils from East Park School) and She Production s at 12.30, followed by a film show of stop-frame animations created by young people and families in the Extr a Helpings workshops.

12.30 - 1.15pm All the family Live & Kicking Film & music 46

ERIC HUANG 12.30 - 1.30pm 6+ years Doodle Room Meet the author

+ book signing

Join author Eric Huang for a fun workshop where you’ll create magical maps and design your own lunar animal adventure inspired by the Guardians of the New Moon chapter book series. Eric will share how dinosaurs, fantasy, daily life, and East Asian myths from his childhood inspire his work.

AMAZING MAZES

create Join artist Jon Keen to rk. Take wo art ze ma n ow r you

r journey. a paint brush and start you join will ns atio cre Each of the amazing together to form one big

12.30 - 2.30pm All the family Make It, Take It Art

maze!

47

MARIESA DULAK Crocodiles, Ice Creams, Tigers and Trains!

Join Mariesa Dulak award-winning author of There’s a Tiger on the Train as she introduces her new book The Ice Cream Crocodile featuring Elvis the crocodile who longs to be a circus star.

There will be an interactive Storytime session, animal actions, singing, nursery rhymes, dancing and a bit of dress-up too.

12.30 - 1.15pm / 2.00 - 3.00pm 3 - 6 years BookLove Meet the author + book signing 48

SIMON PACKHAM ) My ‘Zak Monroe Is (NOT t ou Friend’ is a story ab m fro making the move y school. primary to secondar ut his life Simon will be talking abo writing as a writer, playing a few s like, ion games, discussing quest d goo a be to e ‘what does it tak tips few a ng eri off as ll friend?’ as we ng ngi cha that he hopes will make . ier eas le litt a ls oo sch And oh yes, there will be a quiz!

DEFINITELY

1.15 - 2.15pm 9+ years Let’s Write Meet the author + book signing 49

The Mysterious Mind of Michelle Robinson What do a talkin g jelly, runaway sausages and a very mucky mammoth have in common? Th ey all come from the big, bonkers imagi nation of Michelle Robinson!

In this interactive and upbeat session, Michelle Robinson will tell you about her job as a writer, including how she comes up with ideas, how long it takes to write her books and how many mistakes she makes along the way. Together, you’ll dis cover how having a big imagination makes you a stronger person.

1.20 - 2.20pm 5+ years Big Top Meet the author + book signing 50

FIND YOUR VOICE at PQA.

PQA POPPETS Join in a Pauline Quirk Academy - Poppets ‘It’s a Mystery!’ workshop. A joyful mix of singing, dancing, acting and imaginative play.

1.45 - 2.40pm 0 - 6 years Little Larkeys Dramatic Play

MUSICAL THEATRE. COMEDY & DRAMA. FILM & TV.

ENROLLING NOW FOR AGES 4-18.

PQA HULL

Tranby School, HU10 7EH

BOOK YOUR FREE SESSION AT PQACADEMY.COM

disability Taskmaster!

bility,

disa ifferent

52

nts a d represe e m a g h eac and t Autism w where ame sho e to learn abou g a e is iv t is c a th c us, inter the chan st Benny Shakes A hilario and grown ups ho h it W . s s id ther giving k mong o antage! l Palsy a a r is an adv b e e g r ta e n C a v d a is d ere show wh

1.45 - 2.45pm All the family Live and Kicking Game Show

All About Graphic Novels with Salomey Doku Based on Salomey’s ‘Brielle and Bear’ graphic novels, in this session you’ll learn all about the comic making process.

Salomey will get you drawing and show you how to use your ideas to create your very own graphic novels.

2.10 - 3.10pm 7+ years Doodle Room Drawing

53

A Mystery is Afoot!

Calling all budding detectives! Can you solve and write a puzzling mystery?

Join award-winning children’s author, K.R. Thompson, for a fun, creative and interactive workshop inspired by her puzzle-filled mystery adventure books, Werelock and Scratch - Mystery Most Puzzling and Werelock and Scratch - Robbery Most Puzzling.

2.30 - 3.30pm 7+ years Let’s Write Meet the author + book signing 54

Grab your detective hats and magnifying glasses and join K.R. Thompson to form The Malarkey Festival Detective Agency. A crime has been committed and it’s up to us to solve it! Identify suspects, find clues and follow the trail to solve the case, before switching into author mode to plot and start to write your very own mystery stories! Come along and join the detective fun!

The Street Art Mystery a fastJoin Sharna Jackson for n inspired sio ses ve cti era paced, int stery.

My by her novel Street Art chapter of a Dive into the opening rets, clues and story packed with sec then explore unanswered questions, s that get rum puzzles and conund detective. a like ng everyone thinki ’re more Discover whether you y, and what sle Margot, Josie or We you spot w ho ut that reveals abo . Sharna ms ble pro ve sol clues and s are rie shares how great myste curious, for s tip built, with practical ng. elli ryt confident sto

2.40 - 3.40pm 8+ years Big Top Meet the author + book signing 55

Cyanotype Prints esign

d s on and Get hand with the ts in r p n ess your ow phic proc photogra e th g n Victorian eri pe, uncov of cyanoty d creating images in eh science b t. h g li h it w

KEV F’S

C

T MAST OMIC AR

3.30 - 4.30pm 7+ years Doodle Room Drawing

56

3.00 - 5.00pm All the family Make It Take It Art

ERCLASS

nd written a d land has r an e o th h u S W Kev F Doctor ic , o n a e B es graph r drawn fo ics, and now mak . re a m e o sp Marvel c m Shake apted fro tell, Kev to novels ad t you wan s e ri o st r Whateve you how. h c a te n a c

Deadly and Dangerous Animals Where in the world might you find the deadliest animals? How can you get close enough to draw a dangerous animal without actually being in danger?

Grab your notebooks, we’re going on an adventure to discover some of the world’s most deadly and dangerous animals.

You’ll be able to ask Ben Rothery questions about being an illustrator and naturalist, find out where he has visited to see the animals he draws, and how he stays safe drawing in the wild!

3.45 - 4.45pm 6+ years Let’s Write Meet the author + book signing 57

Nora and the Map of Mayhem Nora is not your average great-grandmother.

She’s loud, rude, and VERY sassy. When her greatgrandchildren go to stay with her for the weekend, they get swept away on an epic adventure battling monsters and hunting lost treasure!

Award-winning author Joseph Elliott, star of CBeebies’ Swashbuckle and CBBC’s Big Fat Like will share the inspiration behind his books, his life as a TV actor and more!

3.45 - 4.45pm 6+ years Big Top Meet the author + book signing 58

RAINBOW OF EMOTIONS What colour is worry?

What does joy look like if you draw it?

Join local author/illustrator Jodie Smith for a hands-on doodling workshop inspired by ‘Rainbow of Emotions’, a book written and illustrated entirely by children at Thoresby Primary School through workshops facilitated and designed by Jodie.

Using the Happy Doodles method, you’ll explore how you can use drawing and storytelling to share and manage big emotions, and discover that there’s no wrong way to doodle.

For all ages. No art experience needed.

Just bring your emotions, all of them! :)

4.15 - 4.45pm All the family Little Larkeys Drawing 59

Y A D N SU

6 2 E N 21 JU

STORY C

ART

avelling den the tr t. Settle E r fo t u ar Watch o is Story C e story? er and h th s t’ a h w storytell , le, but ta a r lp decide e fo h l down er wil th e g a to to e in c s n The audie ory cart transform in in an d jo e st n a th s p a u t d e n a ill g or be you w g a drum stage, may r help ban ory. o o tw r o e st adventure add to th e bells to m so le tt ra

Windrush

10.30-11.15 / 3.45-4.30 6+ years Live & Kicking Storytelling

Letters

10.30-11.00 / 2.00-3.00 All the family BookLove Creative Writing

at's inside Go back in time and see wh case. suit ush ndr Wi ing vell the Tra gs Windrush Filled to the brim with all thin e, this tim the from ic mus alongside the the be will bilia ora mem and archive ic letter writing workshop. inspiration behind our nostalg

61

PENG AND SPANNERS Meet author and illustrator Steve Webb at this lively, interactive event.

Steve discusses his graphic novel series, Peng and Spanners, with Secret Business, The Swamp Thing! Mr Big, Botty the statue-bot, Kirsty Claptrap, Cliff Hanger and the rest of the gang, from initial idea to finished book. Showing the writing, illustrating and design processes, highlighting the differences and challenges writing comic strips presents.

With lots of drawing, volunteer singers, prizes AND a Bingo finale!

62

10.40 - 11.40am All the family Big Top Meet the author + book signing

Cloudland: A Musical Curiosities Production Join flautist Meera Maharaj and harpist Lucy Nolan as they embark upon a journey into the clouds!

Based on celebrated author and illustrator John Burningham’s muchloved book Cloudland, their production is a joyful celebration of music and theatre for children aged 3-7 and their grown-ups.

Copyright: Cloudland by John Burningham (1991, Jonathan Cape)

11.00 - 11.45am / 3.00 - 3.45pm 3 - 7 years Little Larkeys Musical Story 63

Hou Haunted

se

your esigning reative d c the t d e n g a d e n a d hous te n to Drop in u a h s m spooky teriou inside. Fro bring their own mys e v li o h and rs w , imagine, characte ith can draw n session w re d d il e h x c la re , silly, n fu fe in this ideas to li Kausar.

Tasneem

PAU

IRK ACA LINE QU

11.45 - 12.30pm 7+ years Live and Kicking Drama

64

DEMY

Jump into a Pauline Quirk Academy drama workshop, full of creativity, confidence and storytelling fun.

11.00 - 12.00pm 5+ years Doodle Room Art

Fleur Hitchcock Come and meet Fleur r of Hitchcock, the write sy crime co s, rie sto re ntu adve g people. un and thrillers for yo s books Find out why she write ge of that keep you on the ed e of the som your seat, and hear s. rie sto the stories, behind

12.00 - 12.45pm 7+ years Let’s Write Meet the author + book signing 65

MARIESA DULAK Crocodiles, Ice Creams, Tigers and Trains!

Join Mariesa Dulak award-winning author of There’s a Tiger on the Train as she introduces her new book The Ice Cream Crocodile featuring Elvis the crocodile who longs to be a circus star.

There will be an interactive Storytime session, animal actions, singing, nursery rhymes, dancing and a bit of dress-up too.

12.00 - 1.00pm 3 - 6 years Big Top Meet the author + book signing

66

Magnificent Mystery Characters Mystery stories need a whole cast of quirky, intriguing, suspicious, and sometimes dastardly, characters. Who will feature in YOUR story?

Join award-winning children’s author, K.R. Thompson, for a fun character creation workshop, inspired by the fantasy characters in her interactive mystery adventure books, Werelock and Scratch Mystery Most Puzzling and Werelock and Scratch - Robbery Most Puzzling.

12.15 - 1.15pm 5+ years Doodle Room Drawing

Ease into the session with a drawalong of Scratch, Werelock’s sassy raven assistant, as brought to life in Binny Talib’s illustrations.

Then, help K.R. Thompson create a brandnew mixed up mystery character, before breaking away to create your very own characters.

67

68

12.15 - 1.30pm 0 - 2 years Little Larkeys Dance

3-7 yrs

Join Krishna for a fun dance and movement session

0-2 yrs

LITTLE MOVERS

4.10 - 4.50pm 3 - 7 years Little Larkeys Dance

‘Start Somewhere... in Hull’ is a yearlong human rights and cultural training programme for young people aged 14-17 years, delivered by the Wollstonecraft Society.

The participants have designed three fantastic activities as part of the festival. We loved their ideas and think you’ll love them too!

Do you love to solve puzzles?

Art With a Difference

Have you ever tried to draw without looking?

• 12.30 – 2.30pm / Make It Take It

Have you ever drawn a picture inspired by music?

Design Your Own Optical Illusion Inspired Squishy • 4.00 – 5.00pm / Doodle Room

Do you love optical illusions?

Decode the Code

Would you like to design your own squishy?

A puzzle trail on site / Ask at the Library Tent for more details.

69

INKBOUND Join Inkbound author Philippa Leathley and stretch your imaginations.

In this fun, interactive session we’ll learn about creating vibrant characters and dreaming up the most fantastical settings, from enchanted kingdoms, to magic schools to flying cities.

1.00 - 1.45pm 7+ years Let’s Write Meet the author + book signing

70

Hidden

Planet

tor Ben g illustra in n in w rd orkshop Join awa rawing w d a r fo Rothery ference. r with a dif make you ou how to y ic w o st li sh a l Ben wil k more re wings loo assion animal dra dge and p time. le w o n k is h e same and share orld at th w l ra tu a for the n

KEV F’S

C

T MAST OMIC AR

1.30 - 2.30pm All the family Big Top Meet the author

1.30 - 2.30pm 6+ years Doodle Room Drawing

ERCLASS

nd written a d land has r an e o th h u S W Kev F Doctor ic , o n a e B es graph r drawn fo ics, and now mak . re a m e o sp Marvel c m Shake so apted fro e knows, h novels ad g erythin v e b! jo rn a is h le d d steal Come an school an e av le ld you cou 71

and Betsy Buglove dS the Lucky Ladybir Bug-lover Betsy is always keeping watch over her insect friends.

When a cold day forces the ladybirds inside, she uses her magic magnifying glass to listen to their problem!

Can Betsy and her best friend Stan find a way to help the ladybirds?

This interactive storytime with author Catherine Jacob will be lots of fun for little nature detectives.

72

1.45 - 2.30pm 0 - 6 years Little Larkeys Meet the author + book signing

Slugageddon!

Slugageddon Slugs, slugs and more slugs!!

Can you help Benny defeat the slug army with a piano made of vegetables, some delicious compost and a final showdown with the boss?

Interactive & multimedia games, plenty of facts about biodiversity and of course, slugs. With some actually really great gardening tips for the grown ups…

1.45 - 2.45pm All the family Live and Kicking Theatre 73

Lucky House cy relicive of a bygone era, Sir Kuss has failed Agen DeteAtoct ‘get with the times’ and has been sent on

ky House to the Luc Welcome permanent vacation by the Knightly Order. takeaway!

His over-laden Squire, struggling with swords, nd Isaac love t frieinflatables his besand baggage alike, reenacts tales of Felix and their opendragon ’t wait to can es and Kuss’ exploits - from slaying to feats mysteriSir y the en Wh ! ncy age ofecti axevejuggling. Sir Kuss, on the other hand, own det have they just ient coin r an ancfights the perils of sunburn, locked in discovebravely e solv to a deckthe s to try cluebattle w the eternal with chair. to folloan ret treasure sec be ld there Cou . mystery Catch Tit4Tat Theatre’s new walkabout ? to findcharacters in an absurd piece of interactive n session author Scarlett Li (pe In this theatre. ion irat insp the re sha will Sit) name for Lui ve ecti Det House - The Luc/ky for writing 12.30pm 2.30pm (30 mins) g Chinese cultural udin 2.00 - 2.45pm Agency, inclAll the family ve tips and introduce you ecti 6+ years practices, det Malarkey park House Takeaway! ld of Luckytheatre Let’s Write to the worInteractive Meet the author

74

Manga Detectives Learn the basics of drawing a manga character with Tasneem Kausar.

We’ll explore face shapes, features, shading, and expressions step by step.

Each child will also receive a printed booklet to take home for extra practice.

2.40 - 3.55pm 5+ years Doodle Room Drawing

75

chris white What do you get if you cross an author, an illustrator and a performance poet?

Chris White!

Expect a fusion of mini-rockconcert, mad-cap poetry and a 21st century-style draw-along in the Big Top! Followed by a book signing.

2.45 - 3.45pm All the family Big Top Meet the author 76

A Slugage

ddon workshop

3.00 - 3.30pm All the family Live and Kicking Theatre

Join the Blue Badge Bunch team for an interactive workshop.

Get up close with our gaming technology and give us your ideas for future games!

AMAZING MAZES

en to create Join artist Jon Ke twork. Take ar e az m your own rney. start your jou a paint brush and s will join on Each of the creati e big amazing on m for to er togeth maze!

3.00 - 5.00pm All the family Make It, Take It Art

77

paul cookson

WANDERING POET

ALl Nd E k e E W andering If you see a w ele - stop ul uk a poet with a poem r fo k as d him an ! He has to he can’t refuse em. a read you po

3.15 - 4.15pm 7+ years Let’s Write Poetry 78

know em but don’t d perform a po kson an oo te C ri w ul to Pa t et Wan ong and po al e om C t? ar where to st how. er will show you e’ll work togeth teed success. W an re ar su gu r n, fo fu d g’s Guarantee us but one thin the ideas take er! th ge to and see where em po e a brand new … we will writ

Memorabubble Bubble tricks and audience interaction!

There’s no better way to finish the festival than with an extra special Memorabubble stage show!

4.00 - 5.00pm All the family Big Top Bubble Show

79

16-19 JU

ACTIVITY DAYS FOR SCHOO

NE

LS

ls in Hull ate about offering schoo Hull Libraries are passion rich their learning. every opportunity to en

rces available via the gh many activities and resou We support schools throu ll Children’s Book luding the James Reckitt Hu Schools’ Library Service, inc ils.

Award for KS2 and KS3 pup e brings 114 workshops School Activity Programm This year The Big Malarkey rsery to KS3. to 3200 Hull pupils from Nu hcandl.co.uk contact hullschoolslibrary@ For more information please

SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026

82

TIME

EVENT

AGE

VENUE

ACTIVITY

PAGE

10.00 - 1.00

Drake Music

6+

Experi-tent

Music

26

10.00 - 12.00

Artlink Explorers In Libraries

All the family

Make It Take It

Art

30

10.30 - 11.45

Pauline Quirk Academy

5+

Big Top

Theatre Show

39

10.30 - 12.00

Hull Truck Theatre

4+

Live & Kicking

Theatre

40

11.00 - 12.00

Windrush Letters

All the family

BookLove

Writing

41

11.00 - 11.40

Martin Harwood

0-6

Little Larkeys

Music

41

11.00 - 12.00

Michelle Robinson

6+

Let's Write

Creative Writing

42

11.00 - 12.00

Ben Rothery

5+

Doodle Room

Drawing

43

11.15 - 12.00

Eden Ballantyne

All the family

Malarkey Park

Storytelling

43

12.00 - 12.45

Salomey Doku

0-6

Little Larkeys

Storytelling

44

12.00 - 1.00

Liz Million

6+

Big Top

Meet the Author

45

12.30 - 1.15

Malarkey Choir and Gallery

All the family

Live & Kicking

Film & music

46

12.30 - 1.30

Eric Huang

6+

Doodle Room

Drawing

47

12.30 - 1.15

Mariesa Dulak

All the family

BookLove

Meet the Author

48

12.45 - 1.30

L'Hotel - Circo Rum Ba Ba

All the family

Malarkey Park

Theatre Show

29

1.15 - 2.15

Simon Packham

9+

Let's Write

Meet the Author

49

SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026 TIME

EVENT

AGE

VENUE

ACTIVITY

PAGE

1.20 - 2.20

Michelle Robinson

5+

Big Top

Meet the Author

50

1.45 - 2.40

PQA Poppets

0-6

Little Larkeys

Dramatic Play

51

1.45 - 2.45

Disability Taskmaster

All the family

Live & Kicking

Game Show

52

2.00 - 3.00

Mariesa Dulak

All the family

BookLove

Meet the Author

48

2.00 - 5.00

Creative + Tech Superstars

5+

Experi-tent

Digital Art

33

2.10 - 3.10

Salomey Doku

7+

Doodle Room

Drawing

53

2.15 - 3.00

Eden Ballantyne

All the family

Malarkey Park

Storytelling

43

2.30 - 3.30

K.R. Thompson

7+

Let's Write

Meet the Author

54

2.40 - 3.40

Sharna Jackson

8+

Big Top

Meet the Author

55

3.00 - 3.40

Martin Harwood

0-6

Little Larkeys

Music

41

3.00 - 5.00

Cyanotype Prints

All the family

Make It Take It

Art

56

3.30 - 4.30

Kev F Sutherland

7+

Doodle Room

Drawing

56

3.30 - 5.00

Hull Truck Theatre

4+

Live & Kicking

Theatre

40

3.45 - 4.45

Ben Rothery

6+

Let's Write

Meet the Author

57

3.45 - 4.45

Joseph Elliott

6+

Big Top

Meet the Author

58

4.00 - 4.45

L'Hotel - Circo Rum Ba Ba

All the family

Malarkey Park

Theatre Show

29 83

SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2026

84

TIME

EVENT

AGE

VENUE

ACTIVITY

PAGE

10.00 - 1.00

Creative + Tech Superstars

5+

Experi-tent

Digital Art

33

10.00 - 12.00

Artlink Explorers in Libraries

All the family

Make It Take It

Art

30

10.30 - 11.00

Windrush Letters

All the family

Booklove

Writing

61

10.30 - 11.15

Eden Ballantyne

All the family

Live & Kicking

Storytelling

61

10.40 - 11.40

Steve Webb

All the family

Big Top

Meet the Author

62

11.00 - 11.45

Cloudland

All the family

Little Larkeys

Musical Story

63

11.00 - 12.00

Tasneem Kausar - Haunted House

5+

Doodle Room

Art

64

11.45 - 12.30

Pauline Quirk Academy

7+

Live & Kicking

Drama

64

12.00 - 12.45

Fleur Hitchcock

7+

Let's Write

Meet the Author

65

12.00 - 13.00

Mariesa Dulak

3-6

Big Top

Meet the Author

66

12.15 - 1.15

K.R. Thompson

5+

Doodle Room

Drawing

67

12.15 - 1.30

Little Movers

0-2

Little Larkeys

Dance

68

12.30 - 2.30

Wollstonecraft Society

All the family

Make It Take It

Art

69

12.45 - 1.30

L'Hotel - Circo Rum Ba Ba

All the family

Malarkey Park

Theatre Show

29

1.00 - 1.45

Philippa Leathley

7+

Let's Write

Meet the Author

70

1.30 - 2.30

Ben Rothery

6+

Doodle Room

Drawing

71

SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2026 TIME

EVENT

AGE

VENUE

ACTIVITY

PAGE

1.30 - 2.30

Kev F Sutherland

All the family

Big Top

Meet the Author

71

1.45 - 2.30

Catherine Jacob

0-6

Little Larkeys

Meet the Author

72

1.45 - 2.45

Slugageddon

All the family

Live & Kicking

Theatre

73

2.00 - 5.00

Drake Music

6+

Experi-tent

Accessible Music

26

2.00 - 2.45

Scarlet Li

6+

Let's Write

Meet the Author

74

2.00 - 3.00

Windrush Letters

All the family

Booklove

Writing

61

2.40 - 3.55

Tasneem Kausar - Manga Detectives

5+

Doodle Room

Drawing

75

2.45 - 3.45

Chris White

All the family

Big Top

Meet the Author

76

3.00 - 3.45

Cloudland

All the family

Little Larkeys

Musical Story

63

3.00 - 5.00

Amazing Mazes

All the family

Make It Take It

Art

77

3.15 - 4.15

Paul Cookson

7+

Let's Write

Poetry

78

3.45 - 4.30

Eden Ballantyne

All the family

Live & Kicking

Storytelling

61

4.00 - 4.45

L'Hotel - Circo Rum Ba Ba

All the family

Malarkey Park

Theatre Show

29

4.10 - 4.50

Little Movers

3-7

Little Larkeys

Dance

68

4.00 - 5.00

Wollstonecraft Society

All the family

Doodle Room

Drawing

69

4.00 - 5.00

Memorabubble

All the family

Big Top

Bubble Show

79

INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT

85

THANK YOU our A big thank you to

FUNDERs & FRIENDS:

THANKS TO our festival sponsors: y for Pauline Quirke Academ d and Hir ip. rsh nso spo ival fest porting Headland Plant for sup our festival infrastructure. nteers / Helen Thackeray f and volunteers / HEY volu a festival team for creating pany Ltd / Our amazing ! zing East Park Team / EPICom ama n the bee and ’ve on you Flitt us, ard / How course to you for joining Hop us all to enjoy! / And of e ken to dseofemag wee youic for ne

: Hull Libraries staf THANKS TO our people

xt year!

FESTIVAL TEAM Festival Producer Claire Thompson Event Site Manager Joshua Bell Technical Manager Gavin Turner

u next year!

Hope to see yo

Festival Support Debra Webster, Matt Soare Artist Liaison Nick Quantrill, Debbie Agnew, Sarah Bingham Staff and Volunteer Co-ordinators Rachael Forrester, Sam Dobbs Schools Week Co-ordinators Amy Jeffrey, Kay Walton and Hull SLS Design and Marketing Lucy King