Leeds’ own Grammy Award-winning singer Corinne Bailey Rae is set to headline Likkle Lit Fest, a pioneering festival of Black literature for children and young adults, this Saturday, per yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.
The “Put Your Records On” star will appear at Leeds Central Library on February 14 to read from her debut picture book, inspired by her 2006 global hit. The book, illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara, follows a young girl named Bea who discovers herself through her great-aunt’s vintage record collection.
“Music can be a friend,” Corinne said. “It can hold you, sit with you in any emotion, and help you to loosen feelings held inside. It is an honour to share this book with families in my hometown.”
The festival, aimed at readers aged four to 18, is part of Rooted, a series of events showcasing Black storytelling funded by Arts Council England.
The line-up features several prominent creators, including Salomey Doku (Leeds-based illustrator of Sir Lenny Henry’s Tyrone series), Ashley Thorpe (Fantasy author of The Boy to Beat the Gods) and Selina Brown (Founder of the Black British Book Festival).
Beyond author sessions, the inaugural festival includes a National Poetry Centre workshop using recycled materials, a Black artisan marketplace and intergenerational storytelling sessions.
Susan Pitter, co-founder of Out of Many People CIC, added: “Corinne is an international superstar who has never forgotten her Leeds roots. She will no doubt inspire a whole new audience of storytellers.”
While many activities and the marketplace are free to enter on a drop-in basis, the author workshops, including Corinne Bailey Rae’s reading, are ticketed on an affordable “pay as you can” basis.
•Featured image: Corinne Bailey Rae/Ulrike Rindermann
