Visitor Information
Blyth: Your Story Starts Here
A FREE celebration of children’s books, stories and big imaginations at the Market Pavilion in Blyth. Come along, meet children’s authors from across the North East, discover new stories, get creative and have some fun with books.
And best of all…
Every child gets to choose a FREE book to take home.
Your free book
Every child will receive a book token when they arrive. Have a wander around, meet our authors and discover their books. When your child finds the one they’d like to take home, they can exchange their token for it. Where possible, they can then meet the person who wrote it and get their new book signed too.
One child. One token. One book of their own.
Do we need to book?
No. You can just turn up and join us. But if you already know you’re coming, we’d really appreciate you reserving your free places on Eventbrite. It helps us know how many children to expect and, most importantly, how many books we need to have ready for them.
What to expect
We’ll be using two rooms at the Market Pavilion, each with something different going on. You’re free to wander between them and enjoy the event at your own pace.
📚 Meet the Authors
Our larger room, with its lovely big bay windows, will be home to our local children’s authors. Browse their books, have a chat, discover new stories and find the FREE book your child would like to take home. Where possible, they can meet the author who wrote it and get their new book signed too. Authors will also have books and other merchandice available to buy if you discover any others you love.
🎨 Get Creative
Our smaller, bright activity room is where you’ll find the hands-on fun. There’ll be a craft station, face painting and a dedicated story and activity area, with floor space and seating around it. Throughout the day, some of our authors will be taking over this space for stories, games, activities and other fun things for the kids. Children are welcome to sit, stand, wiggle, move around or watch from the side. Nobody needs to sit perfectly still or join in if they don’t want to.
The room also has double doors leading directly outside, so it’s easy to nip out for some fresh air or a break when needed. There’s no set route and no pressure to do everything. Wander between the rooms, join in with the bits you fancy and enjoy the day in whatever way works for your family.
Accessibility & Sensory information
We want families to have enough information to decide what will work for them before they arrive. The Market Pavilion was designed with accessibility in mind. There are step-free routes through the building, clear wayfinding and different types of seating. The building also has lifts, and a Changing Places toilet facility is available at the venue.
A note about noise and busy spaces
This is a family event with children, authors and activities happening at the same time, so there will be periods when the event is busy and noisy. We know that can make a huge difference to whether a child or adult can enjoy an event. So rather than pretending everything will be perfectly sensory-friendly, we’ll tell you what to expect.
Closer to the event, we’ll add more information here about the layout, busiest areas, quieter spaces and anything else that might help you plan your visit. Headphones, ear defenders, comfort items, fidgets and whatever else helps you or your child are very welcome and you may even see some of our Authors with them too! And if someone needs to step away and come back, that’s absolutely fine.
Finding us
Market Pavilion
Market Street
Blyth
NE24 1BQ
The Pavilion is in the centre of Blyth. Public parking is available in Blyth town-centre car parks, including Keel Row, with the venues in the town centre a short walk away.
Visit the Market Pavilion website
A couple of useful bits
Is it really free?
Yep. Entry is free and every child gets one free book.
Can we buy more books?
Absolutely. Our authors will have books available to buy from their tables too.
Can we get books signed?
Yes! If the author of your chosen book is there, please go and say hello and ask them to sign it.
Do we have to stay for the whole event?
No. Come for as long as works for your family.
Do we have to take part in the activities?
Not at all. Join in with as much or as little as you fancy.
