SouthseaScene

A new illustrated children's book - 'Gustav the Brave' is swooping into land at The D-Day Story in time for BookFest 2020. There are a limited number of pre-bookable spaces - free with a valid entry ticket for The D-Day Story - for the launch of the new Gustav the Brave book on 21 February at 2pm at The D-Day Story. Book via: www.portsmouthbookfest.co.uk for a full programme of events. 'Gustav the Brave' is the story of a local, feathered D-Day hero - who won a Dickin Medal for his achievements.  He was the homing pigeon who bought back news of the D-Day landings in June 1944. Gustav's story has been brought to life by poet Steve Tasane along with a group of young Portsmouth writers. The launch will include a display of 'pigeons in war' memorabilia, craft activities for children and displays featuring items relating to Gustav and the Portsmouth man who owned him. There'll also be the first public reading of the story by writer and perform

This year's BookFest- run by Portsmouth City Council Library Service in partnership with The Hayling Island Bookshop- offers a packed programme of events with something for everyone. The Festival runs from Monday 17 February- Sunday 8 March and highlights include: Harry Potter parties for children at Alderman Lacey and Carnegie Libraries during half-term Children's author and illustrator Tracey Corderoy at Beddow and Paulsgrove Libraries on Friday 21 February Children's illustrator Neal Layton at North End and Southsea Libraries on Saturday 22 February Scientist and writer Professor Jim Al-Khalili talking about his first novel Sunfall on Friday 21 February 7pm. Former hairdresser to The Beatles Leslie Cavendish talks about his life and book - The Cutting Edge - on Saturday 22 February Designer of iconic film posters Graham Humphreys on Tuesday 25 February Music journalist and presenter David Hepworth on Thursday 27 February Portsmouth MysteryFest with authors L.C