BookBench trail launched at The Core in Solihull

The Deputy Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Glenis Slater, has officially launched the BookBench trail at The Core in Solihull.

The BookBench trail is part of The Big Read – a unique arts project designed to promote literacy development – featuring benches shaped as open books.

Following on from the success of last year’s ‘The Big Hoot’ sculpture trail, there are more than 170 BookBench sculptures located throughout the West Midlands, designed by over 140 nurseries, schools, colleges and community groups across the region.

Solihull is host to two BookBench locations – John Lewis and The Core – which is home to ten of the sculptures, plus its own BookBench designed and illustrated by artist Milan Topalovic.

The Deputy Mayor was joined by representatives from all the local schools that have taken part in decorating the sculptures, which will be on public display until 13th September.

At the launch the Deputy Mayor said, “I am delighted to launch Solihull’s BookBench trail, which is a wonderful way to celebrate reading.

“I have been very impressed with all the designs created by our local school children.

“I hope that many people will visit these sculptures and that all generations will be inspired to get involved in reading and writing.”

Alongside the West Midlands trail The Core will host its own treasure hunt style trail, with a small prize for every child that takes part.

Local schools participating include; Coleshill Heath School, Greswold Primary School, Springfield House School, Blossomfield Infant School, Robin Hood Academy, Widney Junior School, Solihull School and Tudor Grange Academy.

The trail officially opens during CBBC’s jam-packed Awesome Authors weekend at the Library of Birmingham and Centenary Square on Saturday 16th July and Sunday 17th July.

To see the full list of BookBench venues, visit www.thebigread.org.uk/venues or to get a free trail and activities map, visit: www.thebigread.org.uk

A whole host of literacy themed events and activities will take place around the displays such as poetry slams, story-telling sessions and creative writing workshops, aiming to spark everyone’s interests in reading and writing.

Locations for the summer-long BookBench displays include: Birmingham city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, Solihull, Walsall, Sandwell and Coventry, with venues including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Library of Birmingham, Grand Central, Waterstones, Foyles, Sarehole Mill, The Core and Coventry Central Library.

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1299/BookBench-trail-launched-at-The-Core