Families from across Norfolk came together for a lively day of reading, creativity and storytelling on Monday, March 30.

The Born & Read in Norfolk campaign joined forces with the National Centre for Writing to host its first major public event at Dragon Hall in Norwich, as part of the centre’s Family Activity Day.

Born & Read in Norfolk is a year‑long initiative dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and writing, celebrating creativity and helping children discover the joy of books from an early age.

Throughout the year, the campaign will deliver a wide range of events, resources and activities designed to support and encourage young readers across the county.

Chris Tye from Norfolk Children’s Book Centre led story time in the Book Nook (Image: Matthew Potter Photography & Videography)

The campaign is led by Newsquest, publisher of the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News, Dereham & Fakenham Times, North Norfolk News and Great Yarmouth Mercury, with headline sponsorship from RWE and sponsor YouGarden, in partnership with the National Centre for Writing – all of which have been vital in bringing Born & Read to life.

Running from 10am to 3pm, the drop‑in event welcomed children of all ages to enjoy a wide range of free activities designed to inspire a love of reading and writing.

At Dragon Hall, families took part in hands‑on creative sessions, workshops and reading‑themed activities. Children had the chance to complete reading and writing themed activity sheets, design their own front page of a newspaper, and use their imagination during the workshops.

Highlights from the day included the Something Fishy! puppet‑making workshop. Led by Jade Causton, children created vibrant fish puppets using recycled materials, inspired by Dragon Hall’s historical links with Norwich’s fish trade.

Award‑winning author‑illustrator Kate Read also read from her new release, The Heart of the Storm, followed by a mask‑making activity inspired by the story.

“We had a brilliant afternoon with children joining us for story time,” said Kate. “I’m truly delighted to be supporting the Born & Read in Norfolk campaign, which is celebrating the National Year of Reading, sparking children’s imaginations and encouraging them to develop their story-telling skills.

“It’s great to see so many children engaged with reading, writing and creating, and to play a part in helping to inspire the next generation of story tellers and authors!”

Children designed their own newspaper front page (Image: Matthew Potter Photography & Videography)

Further activities included giant games within the Dragon Hall grounds, story time in the Book Nook with Chris Tye from Norfolk Children’s Book Centre, self‑led tour sheets to explore the historic site, and activity bags and creative stations.

Children were also delighted to take home one of 100 Born & Read goody bags, each containing a KS1 or KS2 book, a bookmark, activity sheets and pencils – kindly provided by the Born & Read partners – along with a healthy apple generously donated by Easters of Norwich in support of the campaign.

If you want to hear more about Born & Read in Norfolk and be the first to know about our next event, get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk, follow the campaign throughout the year by clicking here and on social media using #BornAndRead2026

© Eastern Daily Press