Jacqueline Wilson – President

Jacqueline Wilson says she had no hesitation in accepting the role of Bookfest President after attending the organisation’s first ever festival in 1999 – she signed books for eight hours straight from a little caravan in The Square!  She has remained a stalwart supporter of the organisastion ever since.

Martin Brown – Patron

Illustrator of the hugely successful Horrible Histories series, Martin has always understood the ethos of Shropshire Bookfest and how we work.  He has an excellent reputation in the world of children’s literature, and having him as patron is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the illustrative element of children’s books.

Piers Torday – Patron

Since arriving on the Bookfest Book Award shortlist in 2014, it was instantly obvious to all that Piers was a hugely respected individual in the world of children’s literature.  Since then pupils, teachers, schools in Shropshire, and Shropshire Bookfest, have been fortunate to be able to call upon Piers for brilliantly engaging workshops, school visits, advice and of course for beautifully crafted stories.

Ian Whybrow – Patron

Ian has been a staunch supporter and friend of Shropshire Bookfest since its early days.  He is a prolific writer of children’s books since his first was published in 1989. He has written over 100 books for children, has been translated into 27 languages and is published in 28 countries. His books are renowned for their humour and child-friendliness and his talents range from picture books to novels, short stories and poetry.

Chris Tay

Chris is Chair of Bookfest and previously was chief alchemist at Longden CE Primary School and Nursery for the last twenty-three years of his thirty-five wonderful years in primary education. He now mainly works Initial Teacher Education as well as providing subject training in History, Geography and Art.  He has also trained with the RSC’s Education Department as part of a Masters in Teaching Shakespeare. His connection to Shropshire Bookfest goes back to the very early days of Book Award when it was clear to him that this was something very special that children needed in their lives and schools could benefit from. He now lends his expertise as Chair and member of the projects’ Steering Committee, supporting schools in bringing the joy of reading to children across Shropshire.

Sian Marshall

Sian joined Bookfest as a School Coordinator in  2017, became a Trustee and is now Treasurer.  Her background is HR and she has previously undertaken the roles of School Governor and PTA Chair & Treasurer.  Sian has 4 children and 3 large dogs.  The “children” are now fully fledged young adults and all doing well, which Sian puts down to them having a joy of reading and music.

Sian’s favourite children’s book is Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, which probably explains the joyful mayhem that is the Marshall household.

Lucy Morris

Lucy has been a core member of the Bookfest team since the early days of the organisation.  With an established career in textiles and company and merchandise showcase displays Lucy is the creative brain that keeps the  branding, tone, look and face of Bookfest consistent and on point when it is out in public in theatres, schools, conferences.

Lucy’s favourite book is The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley.

Elly Winter

Elly brings her experience of working for a large animal charity, her HR & banking background to ensure the numbers balance at the end of the year and we are people compliant.

Elly’s love of books goes back to when she was a little girl when she used to play libraries with her collection of books, something that her daughter has also created with her collection.

Elly’s favourite children’s book is The World of Christopher Robin by A.A Milne, Elly still has her childhood version of this book.

Joanna Hughes

Joanna first joined Bookfest as a volunteer in 2009. She was swiftly appointed as Coordinator for our annual children’s literary festival, then as Project Manager as Bookfest grew and developed its work in schools.  She has three, now grown up, children who also lived and breathed all things Bookfest throughout their childhood, which has underpinned their lifelong love of reading as they moved through school, university and into their chosen careers.

Joanna’s favourite book as a child was and still is My Friend Flicka and she still hopes one day to ride through the green green grass of Wyoming and over the horizon!

John Halliday

John’s background includes experience as a Managing Director having operated at Board level in industrial B2B and B2C sectors delivering transformational change through multi-site enterprises ranging from £8m to £125m in Plc, private equity and family-owned SMEs. He has spent his career leading enterprises, strengthening teams and leveraging opportunities to allow those entities to truly thrive and meet their full potential.

Living in Shrewsbury, he has also worked locally with Severn Hospice and was Chair of Finance for The Priory School Trust for four years as it developed into the 3-18 Education Trust.

John and his wife Jane have two children who went through St Georges’, Woodfield, The Priory and Sixth Form College.

John joined the Board of Trustees in September 2025 and says: “I am looking forward to working with Bookfest as I believe in the value and fun that can be developed through reading and hope to make some contribution to the evolution of the charity.”

You?

We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to join our Board of Trustees.

Please email hello@shropshirebookfest.co.uk if you would like to find out more.