Shaun the Sheep heads to Devon for StoryFest this autumn

Beloved characters Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit will be making their way to Devon this October half-term as part of StoryFest, a new week-long festival of reading created by Libraries Unlimited in partnership with Aardman Animation.

Early bird tickets for StoryFest go on sale at 9am on Friday 3rd October and will be available exclusively to library members before opening to the general public on Monday 6th October. Membership is free and offers access not just to books, but also LEGO Robotics, clubs, and a wide range of digital resources.

The festival opens on Saturday 25th October at Exeter Library, where families can enjoy a packed day of events including the Vegetable Orchestra, Shaun Dares Ewe, and a chance to meet Shaun the Sheep himself.

Following this, expert Aardman model makers will lead hands-on workshops in Barnstaple, Paignton and Exeter libraries, giving children the chance to try their hand at clay modelling and animation.

Visitors can also enjoy Aardman’s brand-new interactive AR trail, Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go, in Exeter, Barnstaple and Paignton, as well as screenings of classic films, themed storytimes, drop-in craft sessions, LEGO Robotics and other creative activities.

Kate Turner, Head of Library Service & Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited, said:

“It’s really important for libraries to engage children with stories, especially at a time when reading for pleasure has significantly dropped. Working with Aardman Animations and their beloved characters is a wonderful way to attract children into libraries and show the adventures to be had. We hope that offering exclusive early bird tickets to library members will encourage more families to sign up to the library and start a lifelong journey of learning and fun.”

StoryFest is the latest project from Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running libraries across Devon and Torbay, and aims to inspire children and families to explore the joy of reading through creative, interactive experiences.

For tickets and more information, visit www.devonstoryfest.co.uk