The annual children’s reading festival will take place in Victoria Park next week.

The event, originally due to be held tomorrow, will be held on Saturday, December 2 instead.

The event, organised by the Bermuda alumnae chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, involves storytelling, literacy games and arts and crafts for children up to the age of P6.

Representatives from the Department of Health Speech Therapy, the Reading Clinic, and the Youth Library will be available to answer questions.

Chairwoman Shawnette Smith said: “One of the important components of the day is to provide parents with access to resources about literacy.

“With the generous support of our sponsors, everything at the reading festival is free, including the book each child selects to take home.

“I thank everyone involved in this year’s event. Each year we add new elements and encourage children to bring their parents to this exciting free literacy event.”

KPMG, Bermuda Aviation Services, Spa Water, Belvin’s Variety, BGA, Dunkley’s, Live My Life Promotions, and Open Your Heart Foundation lined up as sponsors for the event.

BAS said it had donated $1,000 each to The Reading Clinic and the reading festival.

Ian Cook, president and CEO of the BAS group, said: “We are proud to support young Bermudians’ education. With the right support, we believe every child can find a love of reading and learning, which will enable them to succeed throughout their lives.”

Rosette Simmons, president of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, said: “We are delighted to have received this kind donation from BAS. Their support will enable us to spread the joy of reading to all young Bermudians who attend our 18th Annual Children’s Reading Festival.”

Glenn Faries, executive director of The Reading Clinic, said: “We are very grateful for this donation from the BAS Group of Companies.

“An important part of our mission is ensuring that all children who need help can get it, regardless of their financial circumstances. It is with the support like this that we are able to offer bursaries for testing and tutoring for those in financial need.”

The event will run from 11am to 4pm.