A gathering of young pirates on Saturday morning could only mean one thing - Jonny Duddle was about dressed in his outfit and looking remarkably cool despite the heat. Over 100 children and their mums and dads filled the Guildhall with their oooaargh's and cheers and listened amazed as Jonny told of his life as a real pirate. Lots of questions followed and an excited band of pirate costumed children lined up to get their books signed and have another look at the maggoty ship's biscuit that Jonny found in his pocket.
Across the city, in the Mission Theatre at lunch time - Sam Lloyd - helped by Middleton Mann - did two lovely events. Sitting down amongst the children on cushions, Sam read her books - the children made masks to frighten off Wendy and they all sang songs, accompanied by Middleton on guitar. Despite the heat the children had a great time and all clearly adore their Monster Mates books - and were keen to get the new Ernie and Norman ones too.
Back in the Guildhall, calm and tranquility followed with Jamila Gavin's atmospheric readings from Tales from India . Again the audience were thrilled to meet her and talk to her about their childhood stories too.
On Sunday morning the pirates in the Guildhall had been replaced by dragonologists - as three Dragon Masters entered The Den. Dug Steer, aka Dr Ernest Drake chaired a panel discussion with Jasper Fforde (The Last Dragon Slayer) and Chris d'Lacey (the Last Dragon Chronicles) in which sightings and encounters with dragons were earnestly discussed.
Enthusiastic dragonologists in the audience tried to find out where to see dragons (Wales according to Jasper is stuffed with them - or St Leonard's Forest in Sussex where Dr Drake thought he caught sight of one).
And this is a little video put together by The Telegraph to get some of the atmosphere at the Festival.
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