POEMS round the campfire, juggling and tales of a compost loo were among the attractions at the Festival of Literature children and families day this weekend.

Held at Lower Shaw Farm, families gathered for the day-long event filled with childrens’ authors and activities.

The esteemed line-up included Sarah Lean, author of the Tiger Days series, poetry and printmaking with Vicky Hirsch , Piggery Jokery puppetry performed by duo Hand to Mouth and Fizzlebert Stump author A.F. Harrold.

Town community poet Tony Hillier kept the kids entertained with poems, writing and storytelling around the campfire.

An unusual show came in the form of the Loveliest Loo show from artist and ecologist Mandy Burton. The book tells the tale of a child finding a different kind of toilet with surprises

Esme Anderson from Old Town took kids Pearl, seven and Indie, four to the farm.

“I just think it’s a fantastic way to encourage the kids to take an interest in reading, writing and in so many different and creative ways,” she said.

“It is all indoors, there is the outdoor vibe that children can learn so much from. The children love being on the farm and exploring. We love the openness of it and I like that events are all so different and not just focused on one thing, it keeps the children interested.”

“We come every year and every time it gets better and it’s something we always look forward to as a family.”

With a treasure hunt, talking with the animals, rope swinging and hammock jumping in the big barn it was a day packed full of activity to celebrate the half-way point of the festival.

Peter Davison, from Marlborough brought along children Sydney, three and nine-year-old Milo.

“I think this is my sixth time and it is always so much fun and so enriching for the kids. The kids really enjoy the storytelling and I like that it isn’t just reading books, it’s really creative. There’s also things like meeting animals and running around in the barn that they love.”

Festival organiser Matt Holland said the day was integral to fostering children’s passion for literature.

“The Swindon Festival of Literature prides itself on not only providing entertainment inside but taking the community outside and enjoying the joy of the outdoors, especially the children. Everywhere you look there is storytelling but in so many different forms, that’s what this day is all about.”