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There are all sorts of exciting and inspiring events coming up at Seven Stories throughout November and December – Breakfast with Mrs Claus, Meet the Grinch, New Years Eve parties and much more!
Seven Stories is dedicated to the art of children’s books and the creativity they inspire. The National Centre for Children’s Books is based in a seven-storey listed building in the popular Ouseburn area of Newcastle. There are three floors of interactive exhibitions all FREE to visit, which include Enid Blyton’s typewriter, The Gruffalo, Mog, Harry Potter and many more brilliant books and characters, as well as a bookshop and coffee shop. Don’t miss the brand NEW Betty Larom exhibition, with comic art, nostalgic illustrations, and British fashion designer Molly Goddard’s AW22 Collection (as worn by Harry Styles).
Seven Stories’ Christmas programme addresses the issues facing local communities including longer opening hours for free general admission – and thus a warm community space – and free adult tickets to family events. Festive events run from Saturday 26th November until 24th December 2022.
Wendy Elliott, CEO at Seven Stories, said: “This year feels like the first Christmas for a few years when people will be able to spend time together in a more relaxed way, and so our Christmas programme really focuses on opportunities to celebrate with family and friends, and make memories – the traditional trademarks of this time of year.
“It will be a challenging time for most as we head in to the colder months and the Cost of Living crisis becomes more acute. We are proud to be a free entry venue – which will be opening longer on some days during the coming months – and in recognition of the challenges facing our communities, for the first time, it will be free for adults to attend our Christmas events this year. Every penny spent at Seven Stories, whether through our events programme, Coffee Shop or Bookshop helps us to continue our work in communities and schools, empowering children and young people through the sharing and creation of stories.”
Look out for the option when booking selected festive events to add on a tasty festive treat!
Elf Treats (child) – milkshake and cupcake £3.50. Grown-up Elf Refreshment – mulled wine/spiced apple juice and a mince pie £4. GF options available.
Baby Book Social
📆 Mondays and Thursdays
🕒 3pm during term-times, 2:30pm during school holidays
👉 Free. Pre-Book here or drop in.
🔹 Join us for a baby-focused session in our bookshop to meet other new parents, share favourite books and discover new ones with your little one. Pop-in for however long you like, have a tea or coffee, read books and play with the toys provided.
Parents and Babies (0-1)
Story Sprouts
📆 Mondays and Fridays during term time
🕒 1pm
👉 £6.50 per child. Book here (includes one adult. Second adult £6.50, siblings half price).
🔸 We’ve got a brand new session for early years – Story Sprouts! This session has been designed to help support your little one’s development as they begin to explore the world around them. In this fully interactive sensory story telling session they will discover the world of stories and imagination with our expert Story Catcher team.
12-24 months
Story Stompers
📆 Mondays and Fridays
🕒 10.15am
👉 £7.50 per child. Book here (includes one adult. Second adult £7.50, siblings half price).
🔹 Story stompers is a brand new session for little ones who love exploring, making music, moving and just a little bit of grooving! Each session is inspired by a beautiful story just right to spark your little one’s imagination! Hold on to your hats for a child-led session full of fun and laughter!
ages 2+
Daily Storytimes
📆 Every day
🕒 10:30, 1:30, 3:30pm during term times. On the half-hour mark every hour during weekends.
👉 £2 per child. Book here (adults & babies under 12 months go free).
🔸 Join our storytelling team for a story and a giggle. These are very popular and sell out quickly so get your tickets now! Session length approximately 30 minutes.
Most suitable for under 8s however everyone is welcome.
Writers’ Salon
📆 1st November 2022
🕒 6:30pm
👉 Free. Book here.
🔹 Our Writers’ Salon is back – this time on National Authors Day! A chance for writers from across the North to meet, socialise, share best practice and tips (and any queries or worries too!). The theme for this meet-up is ‘In the Beginning’. We’ll start with a talk from book coach, publisher and author Alexa Whitten on ‘Tackling Imposter Syndrome’, followed by two talks on the topic of ‘I’ve got a story, now what? featuring different paths to publishing, by Lisa and Mark Cryer, and Nicola Wood.
Open to writers at all stages of their careers.
Opera North – Carnival of the Animals
📆 5th November 2022
🕒 11am & 13pm
👉 £9.50 a ticket. Book here.
🔸 What sound does an elephant make? Or a tortoise? Or a kangaroo? Join the fabulous players of the Orchestra of Opera North for this relaxed concert for young children and their families, where moving around and responding naturally to the music is actively encouraged. During this magical interactive event, parents & children will go on a unique journey as they experience the wonderful music of Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals really close up!
All families
Moomins and Manga
📆 10th November 2022
🕒 6:30pm
👉 £10 per person. Book here.
🔹 In a richly illustrated presentation Paul Gravett explores the genius of Tove Jansson, creator of the beloved ‘Moomin’ books and newspaper strips, and the spirit worlds in Japanese comics, to reveal their inventiveness and the unlikely connections between them. Paul Gravett is a London-based writer, historian, curator and lecturer specialising in international comics. He is the author of ‘Mangasia: The Definitive Guide to Asian Comics’ and ’Tove Jansson’, the latest in Thames & Hudson’s ‘Illustrators’ series.
This is a talk aimed at adults so we recommend over 14s attend but if you have a top Moomin or Manga fan under 14 who would like to hear Paul speak, they are very welcome
Ballet Kids Storytime
📆 Sat 12th November 2022
🕒 1pm
👉 £7.50 per child (includes one adult). Book here.
🔸 Meet award-winning author and illustrator Holly Sterling for a reading of her new book Ballet Kids publishing this winter. This book follows the first in the series, Karate Kids, which was Shortlisted for The Telegraph Sports Book of the Year 2021. Learn more about writing, drawing and creating your own stories during this event, and have the chance to create your very own artwork. The event will be followed by a book signing.
Suitable for children under 7 years
Celebrating 35 years of Winnie the Witch
📆 19th November 2022
🕒 11am
👉 Tickets are £7.50. Book here (includes one adult. Second adult £7.50, siblings half price).
🔹 Blithering Broomsticks! Join illustrator Korky Paul for a magical Winnie and Wilbur event, marking 35 years of the global phenomenon; Winnie the Witch. Listen to spellbinding readings, learn how to draw scenes from the stories and even take part in the special Magic Raffle!
Suitable for ages 5 to 11 years.
Loki God of Asgard Event
📆 Sunday 20th November 2022
🕒 11 am
👉 £7.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔸 Are you a fan of Norse myths? Have you ever wondered what Loki, the mischievous shape-shifter and cunning trickster god would be like if they were banished to Earth in the form of an eleven-year-old? Well, look no further – this is the event for you! Join author and Norse myth super fan Louie Stowell to hear all about her number 1 bestselling series Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to…, and discover fun tips on comic-style drawing, acting like a god, and pranking like Loki! Packed full of humour and cool facts about Norse gods.
Perfect for ages 9+, children over 8 can attend without an adult, but grown-ups are welcome too!
Little Elves’ Workshop – Toy Making
📆 Saturdays & Sundays in Nov & Dec
🕒 10.30am
👉 £7.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔹 Level 6 has been transformed into Little Elves’ Workshop for the holiday season! Join the elf crew to make and decorate your own wooden toys and hear a Christmas story. A great session to start or end your festive visit to Seven Stories this Christmas.
Suitable for all the family
Letter to Santa & Christmas Storytime
📆 Saturdays and Sundays in Nov & Dec
🕒 2pm
👉 £7.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔸 It’s that time of year again! Write your list to Santa in our cosy Elf Room and snuggle up for a Christmas Story from our Elf Crew.
Suitable for all the family
Little Elves’ Workshop – Christmas Stocking Decorating
📆 Saturdays & Sundays in Nov & Dec
🕒 11.30am
👉 £7.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔹 Level 6 has been transformed into the Little Elves’ Workshop for the holiday season! Join the elf crew to make and decorate your own Christmas stocking. A great session to start or end your festive visit to Seven Stories this Christmas.
Suitable for all the family
Christmas Crafts
📆 Weekends in Nov & Dec
🕒 3pm – 5pm
👉 £5.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔸 Our craft room will be open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for little elves to make, draw and get crafty. This is a self-led activity. When you arrive please let Reception know you’re here.
Festive Evening Storytimes
📆 Weekday evenings in December
🕒 5.30 – 6.30pm
👉 £12.50 per child, £7.50 for adults (including refreshments). Book here.
🔹 Pop along after school to get in the festive spirit with our Seven Stories Elf Crew. Pick up your tasty treats on arrival at the Bookshop and head up to our cosy twinkly Attic to snuggle down for some Christmas stories. Elf Treats (child) – milkshake/cold drink and cupcake Grown-up Elf Refreshment – mulled wine/spiced apple juice and a mince pie. GF options available.
‘Naughty or Nice? The Missing Lists’ Performance
📆 Weekdays and weekends throughout December
🕒 11am and 1pm
👉 £7.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔸 Bob the Elf has been given the very, very, very, very important job of Head List Checker! All of Bob’s family are so proud – what an honour to be chosen by the big man himself. What a responsibility to be in charge of the Lists! Bob would have to guard those lists night and day because without them, well, we wouldn’t get any presents! But as the end of his shift draws near on Christmas Eve, things start to go wrong! Join us for a magical Christmas tale of missing lists, a daring rescue and a very brave Elf!
Suitable for all the family
Breakfast with Mrs Claus
📆 Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings in December
🕒 9am
👉 £12.50 per child and £7.50 per adult. Book here.
🔹 Join Mrs Claus for what is probably the best meal of the day; breakfast! Indulge in pastries, pancakes, hot chocolate and more in this festive start to the day (GF options available). Gather round for a storytime and photo opportunity with Mrs Claus.
‘Tufty’ Rabbit Storytimes with Ouseburn Farm
📆 Sat 3rd Dec & Sun 4th Dec 2022
🕒 10.15am & 11.15am
👉 £6.50 per child, adults go free. Book here.
🔸 We’re celebrating Betty Larom and her wonderful stories on the first weekend of December – and especially her famous book The Story of Tufty about an orphan rabbit and his woodland adventures. Betty’s work is in our Collection and is currently on display in our Level 6 Gallery including comic illustrations of Camberwick Green, animal stories including The Story of Twinky and The Happy Book, and her fairy illustrations from the 1950s.
Join us at 10.15am or 11.15am for a 30-minute storytelling session with special guest ‘Tufty’ rabbits from our neighbours at Ouseburn Farm. Children will have the opportunity to pet the animals and listen to the story told by our creative team.
Ink and Drink
📆 Thursday 8th December 2022
🕒 6.30 – 9pm
👉 Book here.
🔹 Join award-winning author and illustrator Holly Sterling for an evening of serious colouring in! Meet Holly and enjoy a glass of wine (or coffee/ juice) as you hear all about her creative process, how she creates characters for children’s books, and where her inspiration comes from. She will also be introducing you to her brand new book Ballet Kids publishing this winter. This book follows the first in the series, Karate Kids, which was Shortlisted for The Telegraph Sports Book of the Year 2021. The event will be followed by a book signing.
This relaxed evening of art is for everyone – whether you are an accomplished artist or just want to have a go.
Meet the Grinch Experience
📆 Friday 23rd December 2022
🕒 11am and 12.45pm
👉 £24.50 for one child. Book here (includes one adult entry).
🔸 Meet the cheeky Grinch at Seven Stories this Christmas! We’ll snuggle up in our twinkly Attic and listen to festive stories, followed by a meet ‘n’ greet photo opportunity with the naughty green grump himself. All tickets include a drink and sweet treat for each visitor. Drink available: milkshake, soft drink/can, tea, coffee, mulled wine, hot apple juice. Sweet treats include cake or mince pie (GF options available).
Think Like an Elf – Digital Storytime Christmas Special
📆 Sat 24th December 2022
🕒 5pm
👉 £19 per family, book here (reserve your place before 5 pm Friday 16th Dec)
🔹 This Christmas Eve, snuggle down at home in your best festive pyjamas, grab a hot chocolate, and dive into a good book, read by Santa himself! Booking includes a copy of Lauren Child’s latest Clarice Bean adventure: Think Like an Elf, which will be posted to your door in time for Christmas Eve. On booking add in the comments box the names of any children watching for the chance to be featured on Santa’s naughty and nice list!
Before he sets off on his sleigh, join us for our Christmas story event as we follow Clarice Bean on her journey to discover what Christmas is truly all about. Clarice Bean usually looks forward to Christmas. Except this year it is going to be a quiet-ish Christmas in her house, which doesn’t feel right because Christmas is all about festivities, fun and most of all…FAMILY. But luckily that means everything will be A-OKAY. Right…?
*Please note this is a digital event with live streaming starting at 5 pm and will last approximately 30 minutes. A live stream link will be emailed once your booking is confirmed. As this is a chapter book Santa will only read the first 2-3 chapters depending on length.
End of Year Party
📆 Wed 28th Dec, Thurs 29th Dec, Fri 30th Dec & Sat 31st Dec 2022
🕒 2pm
👉 £9 per child. Book here (adults & babies under 12 months go free)
🔸 Say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 by exploring how New Year is celebrated around the world. Learn all about customs and traditions designed to bring good fortune in the year ahead, enjoy themed crafts and games, and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Suitable for all the family
Betty Larom Exhibition
📆 9th Aug 2022 – 22nd Jan 2023
👉 Free entry. More info here.
🔹 Opening to the public on 9th August, this new exhibition at Seven Stories celebrates the work of Betty Larom and her husband Neville Main – famous for their comic art, nostalgic illustrations and, as of 2022, featuring in British fashion designer Molly Goddard’s AW22 Collection (as worn by Harry Styles in the ‘Boyfriends’ music video in June 2022). The exhibition features original and facsimile items from both Betty Larom and Neville Main’s archive which is in the Seven Stories Collection, a commentary from Molly Goddard, as well as interactive elements for children.
All ages
