CREATIVE literary workshops are being launched as part of Wirral Borough of Culture 2024.

Liverpool charity The Reader announced it would be launching the first of several imaginative literary-inspired events for children and young people in Wirral.

Aspiring young poets are invited to join Spoken Word Power! an interactive poetry workshop on Saturday, May 18 led by BBC Poetry Slam Champion Jess Green at The Carrbridge Centre in Birkenhead.

Kara Orford, Associate Director of Programme Delivery at The Reader, said: “The Wirral is a special place for us as it is where The Reader first started, and we are working to expand our Shared Reading groups here.

“We are so thrilled to be hosting these two events for children and young people across the Wirral. It is important for children and young people to start their relationship with reading early in ways that feel engaging and exciting – and that is our aim with these two fantastically interactive and creative workshops.

“We will be announcing further Wirral Borough of Culture events with The Reader for adults, young people and families to follow throughout the year.”

In two free sessions, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm, young people, aged 12+ will be exploring brilliant poetry from the Poems to Live Your Life By collection as inspiration before setting about crafting their own work.

For anyone who would like to showcase their Spoken Word pieces, there'll be a 30-minute performance slot at the end of the day (4.30pm) for an audience of parents and friends.

A performance poet and script writer, Jess has performed at Glastonbury, Latitude and Edinburgh Fringe and has taken her shows on national tours.

As facilitator of the workshop, she will be on hand to guide and support young creatives. Twenty places will be available for each workshop.

The second event to be announced is, Saving the Butterfly, a special interactive family workshop for children aged four to seven bringing to life this poetic picture book by award-winning author Helen Cooper.

A moving tale of empathy, resilience and healing, it tells the story of two resourceful siblings who begin a new life as refugees.

The book’s illustrator, Gill Smith, will be joining The Reader, alongside Travelled Companions Theatre Company, to host a free morning of play, storytelling, live music and puppetry at Eureka! Science + Discovery on Sunday June 23 from 10am to 12 noon.

There will also be a craft session where children will help make a butterfly of hope with colourful collage as well as a butterfly dance session to round off the event.

Space is available for 15 children and accompanying adults to book in advance, with a Wirral postcode only.

Tickets include a day pass to Eureka! Science + Discovery.

Rachael Bevan, Head of Learning and Inspiration, Eureka! Science + Discovery, said: “We are delighted to host this event in collaboration with The Reader as part of the Wirral Borough of Culture 2024.

“As a science centre that places huge value on the arts, we love to see storytelling used to bring to life diverse topics.”

Tickets are available to book here.