CHILDREN will be catered for as well as adults by the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing in Haworth.

Nadia Shireen, author of children’s books including Billy and the Dragon, will demonstrate the importance of a strong female lead in stories for those at a young age.

On Saturday September 21 she will host an interactive story time and drawing workshop for aspiring writers and illustrators aged between three and seven, based around her current heroine Billy.

Nadia has illustrated many popular children’s books including The Baby That Roared. She studied law and worked as a music journalist before taking an MA in children’s book illustration at Cambridge School of Art.

The festival, running from September 20-22, will also offer workshops and free-writing sessions for adults and young people, along with talks, readings and panel discussions.

Guest curator Kit de Waal, author of the novel My Name is Leon, has programmed the festival on the theme of working-class writing.

Highlights include appearances by Amy Liptrot (The Outrun), Sara Collins (The Confessions of Frannie Langton), Cathy Rentzenbrink (The Last Act Of Love), poet Clare Shaw (Flood), and the team behind the recently-launched Staunch Prize.

Blogger, YouTuber and debut author Lucy Powrie, Young Ambassador for the Bronte Society, will share her infectious passion for literature, as well as introducing her first novel for young adults.

A ‘Life of a Book’ event will feature writers, agents, publishers and booksellers all sharing their tips and expertise.

Visit bronte.org.uk/whats-on for further information.