A FAIRYTALE Gothic castle where Beatrix Potter spent her first Lake District holiday is the venue for this weekend's first ever National Trust Children's Book Festival.
The literary event at Wray Castle this Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, is selling out fast and is filled with author events and outdoor activities in the castle grounds, near Hawkshead.
Among the much-loved authors and illustrators heading for the Lakes will be Axel Scheffler, of Stick Man and the Gruffalo fame, Philip Ardagh, Benji Davies, Sophy Henn, Steve Antony, Jo Empson, Christopher Lloyd, Malcolm Judge, Phoenix Comics, Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton. There will also be a chance to meet Peter Rabbit, as the festival opens the National Trust's celebrations of Beatrix Potter's 150th anniversary.
The National Trust says that some of the individual signings are now sold out, and families are advised to visit the website - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kidsbookfest - to see what is still available and to make bookings.
There will be craft making, storytelling, a literary quiz around the castle, face painting and Squirrel Nutkin raft building with National Trust rangers, as well as a Phoenix Comics chill-out room and a bicycle trail.
Everybody is welcome, from toddlers to grandparents, and you can even arrive on teh special 'book boats' running over the weekend from Bowness.
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