Top children's authors and TV favourites will be appearing at the Wychwood Festival this year.

The Children’s Literature Festival is being curated by book retailer Waterstones.

Among those taking part are CBeebies' Nina and the Neurons, the award-winning Philip ‘Beardy’ Ardagh, Horrible Science series illustrator Tony de Saulles, Zeus On The Loose author John Dougherty and Harry and The Dinosaurs creator ian Whybrow.

The kids' book festival is part of the Wychwood Festival which takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from 8-10 June. Camping magazine is one of the event's sponsors.

Wychwood boasts a comprehensive programme for younger festival goers as well as music lovers. James, the Saw Doctors and Bellow Head have already been announced as the headline acts on the main stage.

Tickets are on sale now from the festival website.

Nina and the Neurons will visit Wychwood on the Sunday for a story-telling session shedding light on the mysteries behind our bodies. Philip Ardaugh is the award-winning author of over 70 books including the Eddie Dickens Adventures and Unlikely Exploits and boasts collaborations with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on his first children’s book.
 
Award-winning illustrator of the Horrible Science series and Cotswolds local Tony de Saulleswill be holding dedicated Horrible Science Cartoon Drawing Workshops while children’s author, Ian Whybrow will be speaking about his latest series from Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs.
 
Anna Wilson will be talking about her animal themed adventures and Stroud’s favourite Zeus on the Loose author John Dougherty will showcase his  poetic skills. Elen Caldecott will share her passion for books and her love of inventing characters. Her latest creation is Operation Eiffel Tower.

A Waterstones spokesman said: “Waterstones is delighted to be official bookseller for the Wychwood Festival this year and we look forward to the Children's Literature Festival being an exciting, integral part of the festival experience.

"We hope that readers of all ages will enjoy the variety of author events programmed for the festival and feel inspired to develop their love of stories, reading and books.

"The festival bookshop will be situated on site in the literature tent where events and signings will take place."
 
Festival tickets are available from the festival website