Schools Programme - Q & A Barnes

Any questions? We hope these answers might help.

How much does it cost?

Places are free to every pupil, teacher and parent helper in state maintained schools in London.

How do we book?

Just fill out and submit the online booking form. Bookings are made in order of receipt and demand is high so early booking is recommended. Subject to availability, you’ll receive an email from us confirming your booking.

How many places can we book?

We are requesting one year group per event please. This means that more schools can take part.

Where do the events take place and how do we get there?

The Judith Kerr Marquee

Events in Barnes take place in our Judith Kerr Marquee, on Barnes Pond, opposite Barnes Methodist Church, Station Road, Barnes SW13 0NH.

The marquee is a 7-10 minute walk from either Barnes Bridge or Barnes Railway Stations.

Buses 209, 378, 485, 533 and 969 all pass within a few hundred metres of the marquee, calling either at the ‘Barnes Pond’ or ‘Beverley Road’ stops. Please be aware, that routes have been affected by the closure of Hammersmith Bridge. For more details, use the TfL website here.

Please allow plenty of time to arrive before the scheduled start of your event.

How long do events last?

All of our events last for one hour which includes an opportunity for the children to ask their questions

Where are our seats?

Schools will be seated in their school ‘bubbles.’ A member of our Schools team wearing one of our red aprons will greet you when you arrive and guide you and your class to your seats. All of our seating is unreserved.

Can we have our books signed?

Our authors love meeting their young readers and wherever possible events are usually followed by book signing. Otherwise we will organise pre-signed copies or signed bookplates.

Authors are also very happy to sign a pupil’s own books, school or library copies and sometimes pupils’ notebooks.

Do we have to buy a book?

Buying a book is not obligatory but all schools will receive an order form when their bookings are confirmed and they may wish to send this out to parents/carers.

Can the children buy copies of an author’s book on the day?

There will be an opportunity for pupils to buy books from our book stall in the marquee both before and after the event. Please do try and ensure the children have the correct money wherever possible.

WED 21 JUNE – KEY STAGE ONE 

10.00am: Katie & Kevin Tsang – Space Blasters: Suzie and The Moon Bugs RRP £6.99

11.30am: Karl Newson & Duncan Beedie – I Really, Really Love You So RRP £7.99 

I Really, Really Need A Wee RRP £6.99

1.00pm: Tracey Corderoy & Steven Lenton – Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Pirates Ahoy! RRP £6.99 

THU 22 JUNE – KEY STAGE TWO 

10.00am: Greg Jenner – You are History RRP £14.99 (Hardcover)

11.30am: Abi Elphinstone – Saving Neverland RRP £14.99 (Hardcover)

1.00pm: Jeffrey Boakye – Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer RRP £7.99

FRI 23 JUNE – KEY STAGE TWO 

10.00am: Joseph Coelho – Courage Out Loud RRP £12.99 (Hardcover)

11.30am: Hannah Gold – The Lost Whale RRP £7.99 

1.00pm: Emma Carroll – The Tale of Truthwater Lake RRP £9.99 (Hardcover)

We need to change our booking. What should we do?

If you need to change your booking, please let us know as soon as possible at schools@barneskidslitfest.org. We may be able to reassign your seats to another lucky class or school from our waiting list.

We need to cancel our booking. What should we do?

What if we’re running late?

All our events start on time so if you’re delayed on the day please do let us know so we can arrange to slip your class in at the back if necessary.

Can we go on a waiting list if our event is fully booked?

Please contact us at schools@barneskidslitfest.org if the event you have chosen is fully booked to discuss our waiting list procedure.

I’d like to carry out a Risk Assessment. Can you help?

If you’d like a copy of our Risk Assessment template, please contact us at: schools@barneskidslitfest.org

Why are you taking photographs?

We want you to know that official Festival photographers and film crews may be present at your event. We use this material in our reports and for promotional purposes. It’s possible that your school may be named but we never name individuals.

Is the venue accessible to children with mobility issues?

Yes, our Main Marquee is fully accessible and we will help accommodate you in any way we can. Please let us know at the time of booking about any special access requirements.

What should we bring?

Your pupils might like to bring a packed lunch. There will be space outside the marquee for them to eat it but sadly we can’t guarantee perfect weather, something to sit on or a place to eat inside if the weather is poor. Don’t forget your sunscreen and plenty of water if the sun shines!

Don’t forget to bring your books with you if you would like them to be signed, or money if you would like to buy a book.

Are there toilets nearby?

We provide festival-style portable toilets next to the Main Marquee. Our volunteer Schools team will happily point you in the right direction.

We’re coming by minibus or coach. Where can we park?

Community bus stand BC can be used for drop off and pick up, located adjacent to the Barnes Green Centre, on Church Road, Barnes SW13 9HE. 

Please note that minibuses and coaches cannot remain parked at Bus Stand BC, it can only be used for drop off and pick up. 

If you’re coming by minibus or coach please let us know at the time of booking so we can point you in the right direction upon arrival. The community bus stand is a lovely 1-2 minute walk past the pond to our marquee.

If you have any other questions please contact us at: schools@barneskidslitfest.org