Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, successful and well-loved storytellers. He has sold over 200 million books which are currently available in 59 languages. That’s some legacy. I have fond memories of Roald Dahl’s tales from my childhood with favourites like James and the Giant Peach (his first children’s story), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Magic Finger published before I was even born. Classics that followed included Fantastic Mr Fox, Charlie and The Glass Elevator and Danny the Champion of the World followed along with The BFG, George’s Marvellous Medicine and Matilda.
Roald Dahl initially started writing after he was injured, while in the RAF, following a plane crash during WW2. Sitting in a hut at the bottom of his garden, surrounded by odd bits and pieces such as a suitcase (used as a footrest), his own hipbone (which he’d had replaced) and a heavy ball of metal foil (made from years’ worth of chocolate wrappers), he went on to write some of the world’s best-loved children’s stories.
Working closely with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate, and legendary illustrator Quentin Blake, this year will see a host of activities taking place as part of Roald Dahl 100. Birthday celebrations include the Imagine Children’s Festival at London’s Southbank Centre, the launch of a new David Austin rose named in Roald Dahl’s honour at the Chelsea Flower Show and City of the Unexpected – a celebration in his home city of Cardiff.
Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures at Tatton Park
Tatton Park is hosting a 12 month programme of events to celebrate 100 years since the birth of the World’s number 1 storyteller. The year-long programme of events will include imaginative trails for children through the gardens, mansion, farm and parkland. With cinema treats, a birthday picnic, learning courses plus special events for Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
Kicking off the celebrations will be the Splendiferous Scarecrow Festival (13th-21st February; closed Mondays). This is an opportunity to meet some terrific Roald Dahl scarecrows inspired by the author’s best-loved characters. The fascinating Cover to Cover exhibition will showcase illustrations of Roald Dahl book jackets from across the globe (19th March to 30th October). And they’ll be oodles of countryside carryings-on with Danny the Champion of the World in the gardens (25th March to 2nd October) – a thrilling adventure which involves trapping pheasants while keeping gamekeepers at arms length!
Cunning but Fantastic Mr Fox will be at the farm (25th March to 2nd October) where you can attempt to find him before the farmers beat you to it! There’s the curious world of Matilda Wormwood to discover in the mansion (25th March to 2nd October) with mischief-making trails, cunning plots and practical jokes. But do you dare to go into the jungle to discover The Enormous Crocodile who is lurking in the parkland (25th March to 2nd October)?
Charlie’s Chocolate Easter takes place 25th to 28th March and it’s Oompa Loompa – tastic! There’s a Most Marvellous Tea Party in the mansion (7th April) where you can prepare and taste Roald Dahl inspired recipes. And a Weird and Whacky creative writing workshop with poet laureate, Joy Winkler, the following week (14th April). With Fantastic Mr Fox activities like writing, listening and storytelling at the farm (26th July to 26th August). Also in August (27th) will be a outdoor performance by the Illyria Outdoor Theatre of Danny The Champion of the World where you can watch Danny as he masterminds the most incredible plot ever to save his Dad from danger!
Roald Dahl Day (11th September) is the worldwide celebration with a scrumdiddlyumptious Picnic taking place. They’ll be whoopsy-wiffling activities to take part in while you enjoy a lazy late summer afternoon. There’s also an evening screening of the classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory staring Gene Wilder. Halloween (22nd October to 30th October) sees spooktacular entertainment with a park of Roald Dahl witchy mischief! Finally, the Gloriumptious Christmas Mansion (21st November to 4th December, 9th-11th December and 16th-18th December) will see a magical world with Roald Dahl’s storytelling weaving itself through the grand staterooms and into the bustling servants’ quarters.
I love Roald Dahl – so many happy childhood hours spent reading his fabulous books. I’m looking forward to seeing my kids develop a love for him, too, so we’ll definitely take part in some of these celebrations