A long-running children’s book group has had to cancel a festival planned for this weekend, but has more events lined up over the coming months.

Ipswich Children’s Book Group had been due to hold the World of Stories Children’s Book Festival at Ipswich Central Library on Saturday, May 12, with three authors taking part, including Harriet Muncaster, author of the Isadora Moon series about a vampire fairy.

The other two authors lined up to take part were Hayley Long, award-winning writer of teen fiction, and Mitch Johnson, author of a football-themed book.

However, group secretary Jayne Gould said, “We have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel, despite months of planning and promotion, due to a lack of ticket sales - it just wasn’t viable to run it.”

She said this was a huge disappointment, but the group is looking forward to its other summer events. On June 7, author Steven Butler will be at Rose Hill Primary School to talk about his new book Dog Diaries, a spin-off from James Patterson’s Middle School series. This event will be suitable for children aged seven and older. There will be a small charge for tickets and books on sale. Steven will also be visiting some local primary schools on the Thursday and Friday.

Then on July 25, FedTed’s birthday picnic will be held in Holywells Park from 12noon to 4pm for the 50th anniversary of umbrella group the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, with fun and games. Children are invited to take their favourite furry friend and a picnic.

The Ipswich group started in 1976 and is now one of the longest-established groups within the federation. There will be a display about the group at Ipswich Central Library in August, and more events are planned for later in the year. For more details about the group, email Jayne Gould.