St Helens Library Service has teamed up with Citadel Arts to deliver a fantastic programme of events which will certainly keep the kids entertained this February half-term.

This new Storytelling Festival marks the start of the 16th season of the award-winning Cultural Hubs: Arts in Libraries programme, and will be held in libraries across St Helens Borough from 17-20 February, showcasing the very best theatre for children and families.
 
First up on Monday 17 February, an uplifting show featuring movement, music, bird song, puppetry and lots of things that spin will make its way to Eccleston Library at 1:00pm. 
 
Aimed at children aged 3-7 years of age, The Whirlybird by Eco Drama tells the tale of two birds sitting in a cosy nest as they get ready for their maiden flight. 
 
While flying comes easy for one of them, the other can’t quite get the hang of it – but after many failed attempts, inspiration is found in a very special flying seed…
 
Then on Wednesday 19 February, exceptional storyteller Gav Cross will deliver tales we all know and love – but with a twist. 
 
Join in the fun at Parr Library at 10:30am and then again at 2:00pm, where some twisted tales from around the world and silly stories that guarantee a giggle will be told in a giant pop-up story cave. 
 
Twisted Tales for Terrible Children is suitable for children aged 7 years and over. 
 
And finally on Thursday 20 February, prepare to be charmed and surprised by a new twist on an old tale. 
 
Inspired by the iconic era of 1920s and 30s cinema, Beastly Belle by Norwich Puppet Theatre follows the story of young heroine, Belle, who is plucked from a life of poverty by Merill, a greedy film producer who sweeps her off her feet and into fame and fortune in the movies.
 
Caught up in the glitz and glamour Belle forgets her roots and is ensnared by a world obsessed with good looks – but looks aren’t everything, right? 
 
Beastly Belle will be performed at Newton-le-Willows Library at 1:00pm and is suitable for children aged 4 and over.
 
St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for libraries, arts, events and culture, Councillor Anthony Burns, said: “We’re really proud of Cultural Hubs and this year’s programme will start with a bang, starting with the Storytelling Festival this February half-term.
 
It’s also great to see our award-winning library service partner up with Citadel Arts to deliver this project which is sure to prove popular with children and families alike.”
 
Fay Lamb, Chief Executive of Citadel Arts, said: “ We’re delighted to be working in partnership with St Helens Library Service to showcase the best theatre for children and families. 
 
“We’re very excited to be bringing the magic of Citadel Arts to libraries in St Helens, continuing to prove that great theatre really can happen anywhere.”
 
Tickets for each of these shows are priced at £3, or £8 for a group of four and can be booked by calling into the library where the event is taking place. 
 
Alternatively you can book online by visiting www.citadel.org.uk 

Cultural Hubs is funded by Arts Council England and delivered by St Helens Council’s Library Service, which is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. 
 
Last year the project engaged with more than 4,000 people who otherwise may not get the opportunity to access the arts. 
 
Look out for a new Cultural Hubs events brochure in libraries and venues across the borough very soon, or alternatively visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/artsinlibraries
 
Keep up to date with what’s happening in your local library by following St Helens Libraries Service on social media. Check them out on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.
 

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