tuesday 6
6.30 - 8.00pm
INVENTING WORLDS

How do writers manage to conjure worlds and make them believable?

Julia Eccleshare, The Guardian children's books editor, chairs a conversation with authors including Marcus Sedgwick (My Swordhand is Singing, The Kiss of Death) and Charlie Fletcher (Stoneheart, Ironhand, Silvertongue), looking at the techniques authors use to transport us into historical and imaginary worlds.

wednesday 7
6.30 - 8.00pm
STARLIT CINEMA

Three beautifully animated films by Studio AKA in an event especially for children and their families.

Varmints is based on the award-winning book by Helen Ward and illustrated by director Marc Craste, which tells the story of one small creature's struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever. Lost and Found is a beautiful story based on Oliver Jeffers' award-winning picture book, directed by Philip Hunt, which The Times called "nothing short of stunning". Jo Jo in the Stars, the BAFTA-winning debut film from director Marc Craste, is a story of love, self-sacrifice and jealousy.

Varmints illustrator and director, Marc Craste, and Lost and Found director Philip Hunt will introduce their films in a short Q&A session.

friday 9
6.00 - 9.00pm
VOICES FOR GENERATIONS

StarLit and Runnymede Trust celebrate Black History Month with a packed programme involving authors, poets and musicians.

The first part of the evening will focus on black histories as inspiration for stories, with readings by and conversations with children's authors including Catherine Johnson and S I Martin. The second half will look at writing, poetry, performance and music across generations of black artists with internationally renowned poet Linton Kwesi Johnson and rising grime star Bashy.