Big Malarkey Festival shortlisted for national Arts Council award

SHORTLISTED: The Big Malarkey Festival. Photograph by Jerome Whittingham, Photo Moments

Hull Libraries’ flagship The Big Malarkey Festival has been shortlisted for a national Arts Council award.

At a time when Covid-19 has imposed significant limitations on the arts and cultural sector, the council’s Fantastic for Families Awards celebrate the wealth of creative events and spaces for families across the UK.

The Big Malarkey is one of 13 events across the country to be shortlisted for Best Family Event. It is one of only two Yorkshire events to be shortlisted in the category.

Since The Big Malarkey began in 2017 it has attracted nearly 20,000 people to join in the fun at Malarkey Park, in East Park. Hosted by Hull Libraries, the festival brings together authors, illustrators and creators, showcasing what the city’s libraries can offer.

Ellen Bianchini, festival director, said: “While we sadly had to postpone this year’s Big Malarkey Festival, we’re really excited to have received this recognition from the Arts Council and to be shortlisted alongside other fantastic family events.

“An idea brought to life by Hull Libraries, it was a long-held ambition to create an outdoor children’s literature festival encouraging reading for pleasure and celebrating literature. Established as part of Hull 2017’s City of Culture celebrations, this year’s festival would have been our fourth festival.

“Since then, The Big Malarkey has grown in scale and ambition. It’s about books and stories, yes, but it’s also a festival of ideas and imagination.

“Reading and learning new skills is nourishment for the minds and our aim is to create a banquet of delights for all tastes and ages. From bite-sized performances and demos to fictional feasts by leading authors and illustrators - we want to create a buzz about reading and learning new skills as we inspire Hull’s future generation to appreciate that anything is possible.” 

The six-day June festival takes place in a colourful, tented village where nationally acclaimed authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers appear alongside live performances, including music, puppetry, theatre and dance. The event aims to bring children face-to-face with their favourite authors and presenters.

Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “We know how much children and families enjoy The Big Malarkey Festival, so to have this recognition from the Arts Council is wonderful news. Well done to the team at Hull Libraries for putting on such a fabulous family event. We look forward to its return next year."

The winners will be announced on September 9.