Aardman’s StoryFest to spark young imaginations in Torbay

Libraries Unlimited are collaborating with Aardman to bring StoryFest to Devon and Torbay later this year. The week-long festival of reading takes place in October half term 

StoryFest kicks off at Exeter Library on October 25 for a full day of exciting live events including the Vegetable Orchestra, Shaun Dares Ewe, and special guest appearances from Shaun the Sheep himself! It’s set to be a Grand Day Out! 

This is followed by model making and animation workshops at Barnstaple, Paignton and Exeter Libraries. Aardman’s expert model makers will be leading three days of hands-on workshops where children can learn clay modelling and animation techniques. A fantastic opportunity for young creators.

There will also be other activities at a variety of libraries, with further details announced nearer the time. This includes libraries screening classic Aardman films, along with Aardman’s brand-new interactive AR trail, Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go available in Exeter, Barnstaple, and Paignton.  

Kate Turner, Head of Library Service & Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited said: “We are really proud to be working with Aardman to bring this exciting festival to children in Devon and Torbay. It’s a great way to engage families and showcase what libraries have to offer! 

"With this collaboration we are aiming to foster a love of reading and engage children by using characters they know and love. It’s also an amazing opportunity to develop long-term skills in animation and creative arts. We are hoping that the connection between Aardman and Libraries Unlimited will foster ongoing cultural enrichment for local communities. Jointly, we want StoryFest to leave a lasting impression on young participants, igniting a passion for reading, creativity, and libraries.” 

Molly Van Den Brink, Senior Attractions & Live Experiences Manager at Aardman, added: “We love to use our characters to engage our fans with educational objectives and messaging, and this partnership is a fantastic way to encourage families to visit their local libraries, encourage them to get reading and highlight the wonderful work Libraries Unlimited have been doing to refresh these spaces and create an exciting programme of activities featuring our classic characters.”