A celebration of storytelling from true crime to children's fiction is heading to Warwick Arts Centre – with authors set to captivate all ages with live readings and activities.

The Big Read – a free two-part festival of books, authors and stories of all kinds – is heading to Warwick Arts Centre to inspire both new and avid readers to celebrate their love of books.

The University of Warwick has collaborated with award-winning independent bookshop Kenilworth Books on its celebration of literature, which kicks off by bringing a host of authors with Warwickshire roots together on Tuesday, March 28 for The Big Read – Night.

Crime fiction writer Penny Batchelor and true crime author Adam Wood will each talk about the processes behind their writing as well as the quirks of their chosen genres and subject matter, while Ben Richardson (University of Warwick) and Janet Ainley (University of Leicester) will discuss how they are researching and writing local history as part of the Leamington History Group.

The evening will finish with staff from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures examining fairy tales and retellings, including a discussion of how traditional tales are inflected by cultural difference.

The Big Read – Day will then take over on Sunday, April 2, with a range of activities for young audiences, with a series of shows, workshops, and story-time – and some beloved fictional characters hanging around Warwick Arts Centre with volunteers in fancy dress.

Comedian and author James Campbell, science and comedy writer Helen Pilcher, and children's author Julia Rawlinson will be joined by Coventry's Poet Laureate Emilie Lauren Jones as well as researchers from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Department of Psychology to take over the Warwick Arts Centre with talks and hands-on fun including arts and craft activities and a photography corner.

(image via Advent PR)

The Big Read is being held as part of University of Warwick's Resonate programme, which aims to engage the public in a host of accessible enrichment and education events. BSL interpretation will be available across both events.

Kerry Baker, associate director of the University of Warwick Institute of Engagement, said: "The Big Read is a chance for people of all ages to immerse themselves in the world of storytelling, and we are thrilled to have so many incredible authors joining us across the two days.

"Our evening event is a chance to hear from authors about the process, challenges and inspiration of their works – and we expect to cover lots of ground across four genres – with audience Q+A sessions sure to result in some fascinating discussions.

"Our day session is a chance to encourage curiosity in younger audiences, and we want it to be as inclusive and fun as possible with a real variety of activities suited to a range of ages and abilities.

"It's been a pleasure to work with Kenilworth Books to bring these authors together, and we are looking forward to welcoming the public across both days."

Judy Brook, owner of Kenilworth Books, has been working closely with the team from The Big Read to link them to authors and illustrators. Judy said: "It has been a great joy seeing these events come together. There is a huge buzz about The Big Read already.

"The line up looks wonderful – there's truly something for everyone here, and for all ages too. It has been a great opportunity to showcase some of our own Coventry and Warwickshire grown talent, as well as to bring in authors from further afield and show off the brilliant location we have in the University of Warwick campus. It is going to be such a treat for everyone attending."

For more information and to register for The Big Read, visit the website.

And for more local events, head to our What's On section.