Gallery: Notts TV viewers have been sending in their World Book Day pictures
Children across Nottinghamshire, and a few adults, are dressing up to celebrate World Book Day.
Young and old have been participating in the worldwide event that celebrates reading and encourages children to go to school as their favourite characters from literature.
And as a newly-named UNESCO City of Literature and birthplace of celebrated poet DH Lawrence – Nottinghamshire has big claims to fame when it comes to books.
Local writers and poets and artists have been talking about why, in an internet information age, the printed word is still vital.
It’s all about education and imagination
William Ivory, Nottingham writer of ‘Made in Dagenham’ said: “It’s incredibly important because I think life generally is about argument, it comprises of argument at one level or another. Through reading books you learn the process of arguments.
“I hope that the honour of having the UNESCO City of Literature will encourage people to get involved, I started to write because I read Sillitoe and I believed I was him and he was me and there was no reason for me not to do it.”
Wollaton actress Vicky McClure, BAFTA-winning star of ‘This is England’ said: “It’s all about education and imagination – that’s what I take from a book. You have to imaginative yourself and that’s the beauty of a good book.”
Gallery: Schoolchildren from Fernwood Primary, Wollaton, today
Bridie Squires, a Nottingham poet and member of ‘Mouthy Poets’ said: “Reading books has always been really important to me, as a kid I was reading Roald Dahl books when my mum was feeding me.”
World Book Day also see’s pupils picking up Book Tokens allowing them to pick up books for £1 until 27th March.
Video: William Ivory and other Nottingham stars back World Book Day
