Sun, sand, sea and stories in Antigua

Pirate ships, fairies, witches and wizards will be making an appearance in a new series of storytelling events being hosted at St James’s Club, Antigua during the February and May half term holidays in 2011.

The storytelling weeks are being hosted in partnership with Virgin Holidays, Elite Island Resorts and Puffin, the children’s publishing company.

In February one of Puffin’s top illustrators, Adam Stower, whose books include “Mungo and the Picture Book Pirates” and “Bottoms Up” will be hosting daily sessions in the children’s club involving storytelling, character creation, drawing and lots of imagination.

“Sun, sea, sand and stories are the ideal ingredients for a family holiday for the half term holidays in 2011 we’ve got lots of fun activities lined up with plenty of prizes and giveaways.  The workshops are designed to encourage children to get involved and create their own tales and artistic masterpieces,” said Paula Whitehead, European managing director, Elite Island Resorts.

A new library of more than 50 Puffin classics to suit babies to teenagers will also be available in the children’s club at St James’s Club on a permanent basis ranging from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, the Charlie and Lola series by Lauren Child to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and contemporary classics like the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer.

Adam Stower, Puffin illustrator, said: "It's such a thrill to be invited to host a week of storytelling events in beautiful Antigua.  The children are all bursting with excitement during the holidays and their imaginations are brimming over. I'm looking forward to hosting a fun February half term."

Rachel Bright, illustrator for Puffin, whose books include My Sister is an Alien, will be hosting the May half term event.

Prices for the storytelling week start from £1,672 per adult and £875 per child departing on 19 February 2011 for seven nights with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick.  Guest can start their holiday before even taking off in the V ROOM at Gatwick Airport, which costs £20 for adults and £12 for kids.

To book, visit: virginholidays.co.uk