ENTERTAINMENT

The Fairytale continues with Storyfest

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

Surfers Paradise beach was alive with the magic of fairytales over the weekend, as the much-loved annual Beach Library Activation bookshelves emerged from the sand.

The pop-up Beach Library, hosted by Storyfest, has become a much-loved feature of the Sand Safari Arts Festival and will be active until 1 March.

 

Offering thousands of pre-loved books to the community, this year’s Beach Library Activation will feature a series of fun activities and workshops around the theme of ‘the Fairytale Continues’.

 

Storyfest CEO and Festival Director, Andrea Lewis, said the Beach Library will be active for the duration of the Sand Safari Arts Festival, allowing beachgoers not only to immerse themselves in new and favourite books but also marvel at giant fairytale themed sand sculptures, thanks to an event partnership between Storyfest and Sand Safari Arts Festival.

 

“The Beach Library offers children’s workshops and author readings in addition to the many pre-loved books which are available to take home for free,” said Ms Lewis.

 

“Young children will have the opportunity to craft their very own ‘mad hats’, ready to join the Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties on Sunday 16 and Sunday 23 February; and workshop their own unique chapter befitting a well-known fairytale before taking part in live performances.

 

“Author readings feature Gwyneth Jane Page, creator of the series The Travel Adventures of PJ Mouse, and Gold Coast author and children’s book illustrator Nikki Rogers whose latest book, Wilbur the Woolly, was shortlisted in the Omega Book Awards.

 

“The authors share a common desire to have a positive impact on children through their

inspirational works which have brought delight to the young and young at heart, around the world.”

 

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO, Mike Winlaw, said the Sand Safari Arts Festival has become one of the most popular events over the past seven years and the 2020 edition is set to be the best yet.

 

“The pop-up library has become a valuable addition to the free, 17 day festival that this year will transform the Surfers Paradise foreshore into a fairy tale wonderland.”

 

“From taking a seat at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to enjoying a magic carpet ride alongside the Genie and monkey from Aladdin, it will also be an interactive experience for the many people who will relish the chance to add the most unique of photos to their collection.”

 

Ms Lewis said this year’s Beach Library Activation was going to be bigger than ever, with characters from Village Roadshow Theme Parks set to make regular appearances throughout the festival.

 

Village Roadshow Theme Parks CEO Clark Kirby said, “At Village Roadshow Theme Parks an

important part of what we do is providing children with fun and educational experiences at our Theme Parks which aligns perfectly with Storyfest. This is another great event on the Gold Coast and it’s an honour to be a major sponsor of Storyfest”.

 

Registration is required for Beach Library workshops as spaces are limited, but all are welcome to join the free author readings.

 

The Beach Library whets literary appetites ahead of Storyfest writer’s festival, held at various locations across the Gold Coast, 14-21 March.

 

A full program of upcoming Storyfest events can be found here. Many events throughout the Festival are free, however most are ticketed as spaces are limited, visit the website to book or subscribe to keep up to date with happenings throughout the year www.storyfest.com.au.

 

The Beach Library Activation will be available from 10am to 7pm daily, through to Sunday 1 March.