Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day
You are warmly invited to take part in our inaugural Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day on Tuesday 3 June. Why not join us in paying tribute to one of Britain's best loved writers for children?
Schools can book now for Cobweb, our live online event, while our poll to vote for your favourite Michael Morpurgo book is now open!
Inspiring Audiences Through Storytelling
Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain’s best loved writers for children with sales of over 35 million copies.
And from War Horse to The Mozart Question, his inspiring and moving performances have been a highlight of York Festival of Ideas for the past 11 years. Taking place at some of York’s most iconic venues, the free events have entertained and delighted thousands of people of all ages.
To mark Michael’s eighth festival appearance – and his first as Patron – we’re designating Tuesday 3 June as Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day. We hope you’ll join us and embrace the opportunity to celebrate the acclaimed author’s amazing power as a writer, communicator and advocate of the arts.
Look out for two very special Festival events – My Heart was a Tree on Monday 2 June at York Theatre Royal (booking opens on 2 May) and Cobweb, a live online event for schoolchildren on Tuesday 3 June. (Booking now open.)
Why not take part in our online poll or organise an activity of your own to mark Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day? If you do plan to celebrate, we'd love to hear your plans!
Take Part in our Online Poll
Michael Morpurgo has written over 150 books, but which one is your favourite? Take part in our poll and tell us about your best loved book.
We’ll reveal the results of the poll on the Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day on 3 June, so make sure to vote before then.
Cobweb
“They call me Cobweb. I’ll tell you why later. I may be a dog, but I know and understand a lot more than people think I do.”
Enjoy readings from renowned author Michael Morpurgo’s latest work, Cobweb (HarperCollins), a stunning tale of courage and kindness. Exploring humanity, animals and the heartbreak of war, the powerful, moving adventure is inspired by the extraordinary true story of the French Drummer Boy of Waterloo.
Our live webinar on Tuesday 3 June is hosted by Katie Razzall, BBC News Culture and Media Editor, and forms the centrepiece of our Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day. Join us online for a unique opportunity to hear Michael read excerpts from Cobweb, and to ask him questions about his work, inspiration and love of animals and nature.
Please note, this event is for schools and home-educator groups, not the general public.
My Heart was a Tree: The concert
Enjoy a mesmerising programme of poetry and music inspired by our beautiful British countryside.
Michael Morpurgo, his wife and fellow author Clare Morpurgo, and Carol Hughes, who was married to poet Ted Hughes for the last 25 years of his life, share some of their favourite poems. Join them as they rejoice in the wonder and magnificence of nature.
The poignant readings are interspersed with music by Elgar, Haydn, Max Richter and Vaughan Williams, performed by the Iddesleigh String Quartet.
Taking place on Monday 2 June at York Theatre Royal, look out for more details and the chance to book on Friday 2 May.
Connect with Us
How are you marking the Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day on 3 June?
We’d love to hear your plans!
Share your experiences and photos using #MorpurgoDay
- X: @YorkFestofIdeas
- Facebook: YorkFestivalofIdeas
- Instagram: yorkfestivalofideas
- Bluesky: yorkfestofideas.bsky.social
