Join Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell Boyce and a host of incredible writers, poets and creatives as we celebrate WoW’s 25th anniversary in the beautiful surroundings of Sefton Park Palm House. The afternoon will be packed with performances, creative activities and fun for all the family. Hosted by Dom Berry and featuring Blue Saint, Marie Basting, Amina Atiq, Natalie Denny, and Helen Jeffery. Over the last 25 years Writing on the Wall have worked with thousands of children and young people. Our Young Writers have performed with some of the UK’s leading poets and recording artists, establishing their own successful careers. We’ve travelled to different worlds and time zones in our time machine, our superheroes have battled with book worms and our story tellers have shared diverse stories for a diverse world. At our 25th birthday party we invite your imagination to fly and your creativity sparkle. And of course… what’s a birthday without CAKE?
All welcome.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning British screenwriter and children’s author, born in 1959 in Merseyside. He rose to prominence writing screenplays for films like 24 Hour Party People and Millions, the latter of which he also adapted into his debut novel, winning the Carnegie Medal. He has since written several acclaimed children’s books, including Cosmic, Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth, and The Wonder Brothers (2023). In 2024, he was named the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, launching a national campaign to promote children’s access to books. He lives near Liverpool and is a professor at Liverpool Hope University.
Dominic Berry is an award-winning poet and performer. A former Glastonbury Festival Poet in Residence, he’s toured globally and won the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Artist twice, along with multiple slam titles and ten Arts Council England grants.
Marie Basting writes funny, myth-inspired stories for children. Her My Family and Other Romans series has won awards and inspired educational trails at the Roman Baths and Corinium Museum.
Blue Saint (Daniel Sebuyange) is a Congolese British artist blending rap, poetry and activism. He’s shared stages with Ed Sheeran and Akala, and founded MerseyMusic.co.uk to support grassroots talent.
Amina Atiq is a Yemeni-Scouse poet, artist and activist. Named one of Merseyside’s “100 Inspirational Women,” she uses poetry and media to highlight diaspora experiences and humanitarian issues.
Natalie Denny is an award-winning writer, activist and founder of Skywriters Ltd. Her Keisha Jones children’s series champions representation and creativity in young readers.
Helen Jeffery is a writer, performer and poet. A proud sober creative, her play Buckled recently toured the Northwest, and she works as a creative facilitator across community and arts projects.
Although this event is free, capacity in the Palm House is limited, so we advise arriving early to secure your place.
We encourage people to use public transport to travel to events where possible.
Public Transport:
Bus: 26, 4A, 68, 82, X4
Nearest bus stop(s): Park Avenue (Approx. 7 min walk), Livingstone Drive South (Approx. 9 min walk), Merebank Court (Approx. 11 min walk) Nearest train station(s): St Michaels (Approx. 20 min walk)
*These are difficult times. We know some people may struggle to afford full price tickets. If you would like to attend this event but can’t afford to, please contact info@writingonthewall.org.uk. All queries will be treated in confidence.
Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 1AP
Free
Date: May 4, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm
Ends: 5:00 pm
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