Brighton based writers Paul McVeigh (this year’s adult ‘City Reads’ author) and Jo Bloom (author of the acclaimed ‘Ridley Road’) pitched in and helped raise over £800 for Brighton & Hove’s ‘big read’ for children - Young City Reads (YCR) to help children on the outskirts of the City attend the big finale Brighton Festival event.
The dynamic duo took to social media to encourage a host of writers and supporters of the City’s thriving literary scene to donate to the cause - enabling primary pupils out in Saltdean and Portslade to see author and presenter Danny Wallace and illustrator Jamie Littler at Brighton Dome on 19 May. They will join over 1000 children at Brighton Dome for this exciting end to Young City Reads 2016!
Most of the money raised will be spent on chartering coaches from the City’s eco friendly The Big Lemon bus company to bring nearly 100 children and their teachers from to the event - who otherwise would have been unable to attend. The remainder of the money will cover special drama workshops (gifted by Young City Reads) to targeted classes with high percentages of reluctant readers.
‘I was really happy to be involved with this project; discovering books during my childhood, and what they meant to me, was life-changing. If only one child is inspired in the same way, it will have been worth it.’ Jo Bloom, author, May 2016
‘When I heard that with a little help more kids would be part of the City Reads Festival I had to get involved. I know from personal experience how the arts can impact upon a young mind and how the love of books can change the course of your life.’ Paul McVeigh, City Reads author 2016
THANK YOU TO ALL THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE (BELOW) WHO DONATED TO YOUNG CITY READS 2016:
Yvonne Battle-Felton
Jo Bloom
Ben Chamberlain
EHV Clarke
Carolyn JessCooke
Gill and Anne
Finn Gray
Anna Gysenamn
Bee Lewis
Marvellous Minds
Dolores McVeigh (Smyth)
Simona Rossi
Annette Routledge
Amanda Saint
William Shaw
Diane Simmons
Apple Apartments (Belfast and London)
Ruby Speechly
Roy Spencer
Becky Whitney-Leggatt
AJ Woodhouse
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