More than 1400 children from across 15 primary schools in Wisbech were joined by local MP Steve Barclay for the launch of the first Wisbech Reads Festival.

The book event held at Orchards Primary School in beautiful sunshine involved professional storytelling, an outdoor theatre, face painting and costumes.

All were celebrating famous books and stories designed to install a love of reading within the next generation of Wisbech children.

The Wisbech Reads initiative came about following national literacy figures which showed that too many local children are starting school with poor reading ability. This in turn has a knock on effect on learning as they progress in their school career.

Mr Barclay said ‘Today’s event has been awesome in the way the fun and excitement of reading has been celebrated and the imagination that books foster has been so widely and colourfully communicated to local children. The initiative has been a massive success with schools today.’

‘I hope parents engage fully in The Wisbech Reads initiative and in particular read to their young children on a regular basis. A big thank you to Mrs Parker and all the staff from all of the Wisbech schools who made the event such a great success.’

Nicola Parker, head teacher at Orchard Primary School said ‘It has been a long time in the making but all the effort has been absolutely worth it to see the enjoyment on the children faces.’

‘It has been a team effort, without all the sponsors and the community it wouldn’t have been possible. It shows what Wisbech is capable of and I couldn’t be more proud’.

Wisbech Reads continues tomorrow – with a family day.