The creative studio behind the critically acclaimed Wallace and Gromit films, Aardman Animation, will be in Worcester as part of a weekend of family events during half-term.
The University of Worcester Storytelling Festival for Children's first dedicated Family Weekend runs at The Hive and at the neighbouring University City Campus, on October 27 and 28.
Families can take part in model-making workshops with Aardman Animation, just one of the exciting activities on offer to the community.
Other events include Indigo Moon Theatre's new take on Arabian Nights tale, Aladdin, through large-scale shadow puppetry; popular storyteller, Peter Chand, who will be combining his Punjabi and English roots to enthral children with his tales, and Welsh storyteller Daniel Morden recounting takes from around the world, including Greek myth.
Petr Horacek, whose works include The Fly and Blue Penguin, Chloë Inkpen, of the picture book series Zoe and Beans, and Kristina Stevenson, the author and illustrator behind Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, will also be bringing their characters and stories to life.
Lempen Puppet Theatre Company will be using cardboard to create the "ultimate animal" as it performs its Cardboard Carnival " inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns" Carnival of Animals. Afterwards, children will have a chance to create their own animals out of recycled materials at a workshop.
Story theatre from University of Worcester graduates, Kuran & Noah, will explore adventures from both Eastern and Western cultures, while characters Maisy Mouse and The Bear, from author Michael Rosen's We're Going on a Bear Hunt, will also be on hand for storytelling sessions throughout the weekend.
Anne Hannaford, Director of Arts and Culture at the University said: "The programme has some great events for families over the half term weekend " creative and fun at the same time."
The weekend is part of the two-week long annual festival, also known as Beeline.