If you want to know what’s Nick up to and where’s he going to be and has he got his come-uppance yet you’ve come up to the right page! All the answers are below plus many more you didn’t know you wanted to know! Come back soon and check out the updates!
JANUARY
Nick plans the amazing Appledore Book Festival for 2011. This year is going to be the best (that’s better than last year which was the best until this year!)
Nick writes book on How Machines Work for Quarto Children’s Books. NICK SAYS: I had great fun with this book. It’s got lots of machines that you can make yourself. Look out for it in the shops!
FEBRUARY
Nick and the Appledore Book Festival slam the Councils who are trying to save cash by closing public libraries in the UK. Libraries are vital for giving people the chance to learn about the world – so closing a library is a bit like saying in a very stupid voice: “Wouldn’t it be clever to walk around with your eyes shut?”
ON SECOND THOUGHTS THIS IS A VERY SILLY IDEA!
Nick is very happy that Appledore Book Festival is the first British book Festival to speak out against library closures.
Friday 11th February – And talking about Libraries Nick is at the opening of the new St. Aubyn’s Library, Devonport, Devon. NICK SAYS: thanks to all the children who came to hear my talk. It was great to meet you! It was also great to see a library being opened rather than closed. I hope all the other Councils take notice!
Following on from Nick and Tony’s triumphant tour of China last autumn (see 2010 NEWS) Nick is working on his first ever Horrible Science book for Chinese readers. It’s going to be all about global warming and how to beat it!
MARCH
Tuesday 15th March – Nick talks about MY HORRIBLE LIFE at Stonar School near Melksham, Wiltshire at 6.30 pm. NICK SAYS: WOW – this is a lovely school. It’s more like a country house than a school. And it’s Overflowing with Horrible Science fans! Hi everyone!
Wednesday 23rd March – Nick presents a public showing of his film A PLACE TO DREAM at Burton Art Gallery, Bideford, Devon at 7.30 pm. NICK SAYS: This is a different kind of show for me and it was kind of relaxing to let the projector do all the hard work!
APRIL
Saturday 9th April – Nick and Tony De Saulles present a Horrible Science Show at the Edinburgh Science Festival at 2 pm. NICK SAYS: Edinburgh is one of my all-time favourite places and I was thrilled to be invited there. Thanks all of you who came to the show!
JUNE
Nick launches the programme for the Appledore Book Festival this month. The programme is the biggest ever with more than 100 events! Some events sell out in a few days!
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 24th September – Sunday 2nd October – Nick is Director of the Fifth Appledore Book Festival in Devon, England. Expect to see Nick running around looking anxious and asking people what day it is. Mind you, Nick’s like that every day! NICK SAYS: WOW – it’s official – everyone is saying that this was the best book festival ever!!!! There were over 100 events including the wonderful schools programme that sent authors to talk to hundreds of children in 22 schools all across North Devon. Many of the public events were sold out weeks before the festival began – including sell-out events by Horrible Science artist Tony De Saulles and Horrible Histories artist Martin Brown. Sadly this is my last book festival as Director since the festival has become so successful that it’s taking up all my time! I am handing over to a great team and I am sure the Appledore Book Festival will go from strength to strength!
OCTOBER
Friday 7 October . Northbourne School in Didcot gets the HORRIBLE SCIENCE treatment. NICK SAYS: What a lovely school! Everyone there is so friendly and it was great to meet all the children and answer their questions. Here’s a big Howdy to all of you!
Wednesday 19th October – Nick is Guest of Honour at Homestart Torridge reception. Nick is now patron of this charity, which supports families in need.
NICK SAYS: Homestart Torridge is a really good cause and it’s great to support their work with parents and children.
Tuesday 25th October – Two Horrible Science Best Bits Shows at OFF THE SHELF Festival in Sheffield. The shows take place at The Showroom in the Arts Cinema at Sheffield. There will be shows at 1 pm and 3 pm – for more details visit offtheshelf.org.uk
NICK SAYS: Thanks to all of you who came to the shows. As I like to say – it’s all about the audience – I just do the funny bits!
Wednesday 9th November – Talk on Vikings at West Down School, North Devon. NICK SAYS: I’m a secret historian and when I’m not being a horrible scientist I love bringing history alive for children. It really was a treat to talk about the Vikings!
COMING UP IN 2012
Saturday 14th April – Don’t miss Nick Arnold’s Horrible Science Show at the Scarborough Literary Festival.
