A magical day in Sheffield to celebrate the joy of reading stories
![Off the shelf on The Moor
Lyla Moylan and Fiona Mannion making dragons](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/legacy_ash_93990068.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Off the shelf on The Moor
Lyla Moylan and Fiona Mannion making dragons](/img/placeholder.png)
Magical Books, a free occasion for families on The Moor, had a fantasy and fairytale theme, enlivened with witches and wizards, conjuring tricks and even an appearance by the Harry Potter character Hagrid - or a convincingly tall lookalike, at least.
Tents were set up along the shopping street where young visitors could make a dragon puppet, create ‘potions’ and try their hand at playing a glass harp. Participants were encouraged to wear fancy dress and parade their costumes on a catwalk.
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Sarah and Daniel Parkin playing a card game with mum Joanne](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/legacy_ash_93990070.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Off the shelf on The Moor
Sarah and Daniel Parkin playing a card game with mum Joanne](/img/placeholder.png)
The Rotherham charity Grimm & Co, which encourages children to write, was involved on Saturday.
Deborah Bullivant, founding director, said Off the Shelf was ‘fantastic’.
“We’re trying to bring diversity - it’s something that children from all backgrounds enjoy, doing something magical.”
Taking a glance at those busily scribbling away, she said there might just have been a future Booker Prize winner in their midst. “That’s what we aim to get!”
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Arabella and her mum making bats](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/legacy_ash_93990071.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
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Arabella and her mum making bats](/img/placeholder.png)
Lesley Webster, from the festival team, said the event tied in with the 20th anniversary of author JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book.
“We just want it to be fun. I do think it’s our best festival programme this year.”
Magical Books was sponsored by The Moor and supported by the Sheffield city centre business improvement district.