Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 6 July 2007
Michael Rosen launches the Holloway Arts festival at Manor Gardens library with, from left, Kathleen, 10, Megan, nine, Kaitlyn, six, parent Theresa, Jacob, six and Christiana, nine
Poet Laureate urges more fun kids’ books
BRITAIN’S newly appointed Children’s Poet Laureate Michael Rosen hit out this week at schools which do not encourage book reading. Mr Rosen was speaking at the launch of the popular annual Holloway Arts Festival which culminates in a colourful carnival tomorrow (Saturday).
He accused some teachers of providing dull material or bits of books for children to read. “An enormous amount of time is spent testing children,” he said. “But not enough is spent telling children that books are fun.”
Paul Lyalls – poet, performer and one of the stars of the BBC 2 series Big Slam Poetry – will compere the festival’s Big Day Out tomorrow at Whittington Park, off Holloway Road, Archway.
Festival-goers will be able to try
tapestry-making, learn to knit, play an art game or take part in bunting making.
The Funky Junk Fashion Carnival Procession, involving children from Grafton Primary School, Cornwallis Youth and Play Project, Hilldrop Community Centre and Whittington Park Community Association, present their costumes in a colourful procession at 1.30pm.
On the music
stage the leading Columbian folk band, La Chica Latina and the Bombele Orchestra perform from 2pm followed by the Sing Thing with their gospel-style songs.
The event also features performance including Fred’s Flying Circus and Mr Pineapple Head.