Words Need Love Too
Back in 2012 in a rural Barbadian primary school deep in the heart of St. George, a young boy was asked: How would you show words you love them?
He sat staring blankly at his paper for some time as his classmates busily scribbled down their ideas about using dictionaries more often, writing neatly, reading to their younger siblings, being polite when speaking to others and never using curse words, ever! Eventually, shyly, he handed in his offering: I would offer words a cool glass of mauby.
That young man’s timid response boldly sums up the spirit of the 2014 Bim Litfest Children’s Fair which takes place on Saturday, May 17 in Independence Square, Bridgetown, and once again borrows Kamau Brathwaite’s sentiment: “Words Need Love Too” as its theme.
The emphasis is on books and writing, yes—and having lots of fun with them at the same time.
This year, the Fair kicks off with a Tuk Parade featuring Anansi the Trickster Spider, his WordKeeper friends including “BookGirl”, a stiltman, and master drummer James Lovell & Friends.
Visiting UK writer and publisher Verna Wilkins of Tamarind Books is Bim Litfest Children’s Fair special guest of honour.
Anansi’s Art-Word Wall, face painting, a story parade, a storytellers’ corner and a Children’s book fair is just part of the exciting line-up. Anansi, host and guide for the event, is portrayed by actor Neil Waithe (Barbados Landship, Keeping Up with the Joneses), while storytellers and performers include Johnny Koeiman and the All Saints Primary School Choir, Deanne Kennedy, Gregory Skeete, Peter Laurie, Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné, Sarah Venable, Mustard Seed Kids, Philip Nanton, James Lovell & Friends and others. Emcee is poet & freestyler Keoma Mallett a.k.a Rhy Minister.
There will be readings by schoolchildren during the day in partnership with Oxford University Press’ Project X for Boys and Days Books as well as junior and adult writing workshops (please contact the NCF to register).
The fair starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. There will be Festival activities continuing in the Square afterwards however and if you stay until about 6 p.m., you just might get to see the raising of the Chamberlain Bridge and the “crossing” of the boat Honey Bea II.
The 2014 Bim Litfest Children’s Fair is part of the Bim Literary Festival & Book Fair and is sponsored, once again, by our good friends—The Maria Holder Memorial Trust. They show how much they love words. So did our young friend in the heart of St. George. How will you?
See you in the Square, May 17.
• Click here for full Children’s Fair programme details
• Click here to access the Bim Litfest Children’s Fair button/invite activity
