Hundreds of youngsters from Cambuslang get the chance to attend Wee Write festival

More than 200 young people from schools in Cambuslang recently had the opportunity to attend a Glasgow book festival aimed specifically at children. Pupils from Cairns Primary, St Cadoc’s Primary in Halfway, and West Coats Primary all participated in the Wee Write festival, a dedicated children’s book festival hosted annually by Glasgow Life. Thanks to funding of £2,500 from UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel Enterprise, the students were able to attend flagship events, with their transport costs covered and each child receiving a book to take home.

The Wee Write Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, taking place from November 4 to 8 at various iconic venues across Glasgow, including the Royal Concert Hall and Mitchell Library. The programme featured readings by authors like Masie Chan and Abi Elphinstone, interactive drawing sessions with illustrators such as Sophy Henn, Steve Lenton, and Tom Morgan Jones, as well as a special Beano-themed celebration hosted by Mike Stirling and Craig Graham. The children were encouraged to dress up as their favourite comic characters and enjoy live drawing showdowns, adding to the festive atmosphere of the Birthday Bash with the popular children’s comic, The Beano.

Closely linked to its sister event, Aye Write, Wee Write continues to be a significant event in Glasgow’s cultural calendar, dedicated to promoting a love of reading among children from primary to secondary school. This year marked the sixth year that UKSE has provided funding to the Wee Write festival, allowing youngsters to experience the joy of reading and attend this fantastic event. Fiona Haddow, the lead programmer for the festival, expressed gratitude for the support from UKSE, enabling the children from Cambuslang to participate in enriching experiences that aim to ignite a passion for reading.

Marc Davey, the regional executive at UKSE, highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives like the Wee Write festival, emphasising how literacy is a fundamental skill that can open doors throughout life. By backing events such as this, UKSE invests in the future of communities, fostering a love for reading and helping children discover the joy of literacy and storytelling.

In summary, the Wee Write festival provided over 200 young students in Cambuslang with a unique opportunity to engage with literature, authors, and illustrators in an interactive and educational environment. The support from UKSE ensured that these children could attend the festival, enhancing their love for reading and storytelling, and contributing to their personal and educational development. Such initiatives play a vital role in nurturing a passion for reading among young learners, shaping their lifelong love for books and literacy.