A “delightful display” of children reading and talking about their favourite characters marked the start of a modified literary festival.

The Children’s Reading Festival will be held in drive-by form this year after it was affected by Covid-19 restrictions.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which organises the event, said it was “a grand affair held in Victoria Park and attended by hundreds of families” in normal times.

But she added: “This year the Children’s Reading Festival has become a drive-by book pick up.”

Young people aged between four and 11 were invited to submit 20-second video clips of themselves reading from their favourite books or discussing a literary character.

Nina Jacobs, the chapter president, said: “We’d like to thank all the parents and children that participated by sending in the video clips.

“They were the most delightful display of utter adorableness our committee has seen this year.

“We look forward to a time we can once again meet in the park.”

Children who were registered before the submission deadline last weekend will get their books tomorrow.

The spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately in order to ensure we can deliver the books safely you had to preregister through participation.”

She added: “The Bermuda Alumnae Chapter is very pleased to be able to continue hosting an event that focuses on encouraging our community to make reading a priority in their children’s lives.

“Literacy plays a vital role in transforming students into socially engaged citizens.

“Strong literacy skills mean they are more likely to be successful in school.

“Reading helps them to develop strong communication skills and can help them understand the issues that are shaping our world.”