THOUSANDS of children met their favourite authors and illustrators at a free festival in Malvern.

The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children saw schools and families in droves to learn more about their favourite stories.

Stories were told through acting, puppets and even through clay, thanks to Aardman (the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep) running workshops at the event.

Malvern Gazette: Families queued to get front-row seats to readings of their favourite stories - this one was inside a giant whale.Families queued to get front-row seats to readings of their favourite stories - this one was inside a giant whale. (Image: NQ)The event, hosted in partnership with Boffy Arts and Malvern District Council, had famous faces in attendance. 

Among the famous names were Francesca Simon, known for writing the popular Horrid Henry series, and Lydia Monks who wrote the best-selling What the Ladybird Heard books.

Steve Boffy, event manager, said: "I genuinely believe that we, in those few hours that they are here, can inspire an interest for a lifetime.

Malvern Gazette: Sophie and Oliver Rowet were getting hands-on at a craft session run by Gale at Duck House Design. Sophie and Oliver Rowet were getting hands-on at a craft session run by Gale at Duck House Design. (Image: NQ)"With some schools they organised for all the children to bring a book and get it signed - to see children go home with a book and be really proud that they got one signed.

"In some areas where I have worked, particularly where there are children who come from homes without many books, that is a really great thing.

Malvern Gazette: CHEESE! Children enjoyed getting stuck in the various activities on offer.CHEESE! Children enjoyed getting stuck in the various activities on offer. (Image: NQ)"You have reached out and all of this can be life-changing."

Between Tuesday and Friday (October 24 and 27), over a thousand pupils from schools across Malvern visited the festival, which spread across multiple locations in the town.

As of today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday), families can walk around and get involved in the fun too. 

Malvern Gazette: Acclaimed author and illustrator Lydia Monks with her books.Acclaimed author and illustrator Lydia Monks with her books. (Image: NQ)Acclaimed author and illustrator Lydia Monks said her passion for writing and drawing came from school and explained how she was always caught doodling in her books.

"It brings books to life a little bit - in the show, I talk a little bit about how I started and used to draw, and you hope it makes it feel more real and not something so far out of reach for them," she said.

Malvern Gazette: Experienced artists were also doing live drawings. Experienced artists were also doing live drawings. (Image: NQ)"We all write stories and draw when we are little, so it is continuing that."

Hayley Rowet attended the event with her mum, Sue, and two children, Sophie and Oliver. 

Malvern Gazette: MAKING A SPLASH: A large whale was on display in Priory Park. MAKING A SPLASH: A large whale was on display in Priory Park. (Image: NQ)She said: "Anything arts and crafts the children love, so this is so good for them.

"They have enjoyed it, and my son is taking an interest - he's only two and a half.

"They are using their artistic skills and imagination, not looking at a screen, which is important."