The London Book Fair (LBF) (12-14 March) has selected the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Kids Roadshow with Place2Be, as this year’s Charity of the Year.
BAFTA Kids Roadshow is a programme of events and initiatives offering families across the UK access to workshops and masterclasses with BAFTA-winning talent. In partnership with children’s mental health charity Place2Be, the BAFTA Kids Roadshow takes the world of film, games and television directly into schools that benefit from Place2Be’s mental health support work.
The Roadshow includes a ‘Behind The Scenes’ assembly looking at BAFTA-nominated and award winning film, games and television content, to encourage creativity among young people. The day also features a TV presenting masterclass aimed to improve confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
Children’s television presenters, acting as role models and inspiration to the children, host each Roadshow. Previous hosts have included CBBC’s Katie Thistleton, Blue Peter’s Lindsey Russell, and CiTV’s Arielle Free, Luke Franks, and Sam Homewood.
As The London Book Fair’s Charity of the Year, BAFTA Kids Roadshow with Place2Be will exhibit at the Fair, which takes place from 12 – 14 March, and receive extensive marketing support before and during the event. LBF will also provide the initiative with year-long promotion, including opportunities for fundraising.
Jacks Thomas, Director at The London Book Fair, said:
The BAFTA Kids Roadshow with Place2Be is a fantastic initiative that inspires and supports children and schools across the UK. We’re delighted that they’ll be part of The London Book Fair this year.
Tim Hunter, Director of Learning & New Talent at BAFTA, commented:
It’s extremely gratifying to have BAFTA’s creative outreach work recognised by LBF. We are entering our third year of touring the roadshow around the UK and reaching children in schools supported by Place2Be. In common with LBF, BAFTA recognises the vital importance of storytelling and its impact on young people in developing their imaginations, creativity and mental well-being.
The London Book Fair has supported many and varied book-related charities as long as the Fair has been running. LBF selects one charity or charitable initiative per year, with any UK charity related to books, reading and the literacy-focused non-profit community being eligible. Previous LBF Charities of the Year include: The Kittiwake Trust, Worldreader, First Story, BookTrust and Book Aid International.
BAFTA is also providing support for this year’s LBF Quantum speaker with people from across the TV, film and publishing sectors coming together to explore the trends and opportunities that exist at the touchpoints across the creative industries on Monday 11 March 2019. For more information on the 2019 Quantum programme please visit the LBF website.