Io Saturnalia!

Festive Events with a Mythical Twist! brought to you by Children’s Author Marie Basting

Did you know my latest book, Auntie Medusa and Me, is set during Saturnalia: the Ancient Roman festival that turned the usual Roman order upside down and gave us many of our Christmas traditions? Which makes November & December the perfect time to invite me in for a festive school, library or bookshop visit! I’m even offering schools in Greater Manchester, Halton and Merseyside, who agree to hosting a book signing, a Christmas cracking twenty-five percent discount on a full or half day visit.

Find out more about my wider events and school visits offer here.

Talks

In my Saturnalia assembly presentation, we’ll learn all about this fascinating Ancient Roman festival through a fun quiz. We’ll then allow misrule to rule as we play some silly Saturnalia games and agree our manifesto for mischief. The manifesto can then be used as a creative writing prompt in the classroom. Ideally suited to KS2 but can be adapted to include KS1.

Workshops and Crafts

Work with me in the classroom to shape your mischief manifesto inspired stories as I help you to develop plot and setting. Or we can do some fun festive crafts tailored to the year group. Saturnalia wreaths, stars to hang on your tree or a festive bookmark – you choose. Medusa snake hat optional.

Bookshops and Libraries

Both the crafts and creative writing workshop can be delivered independently of the assembly. I’ll give a short introduction to Saturnalia and Auntie Medusa and Me and then let the mischief begin.

Message me via the form on my contact page to discuss.

Virtual Visits

I know budgets are tight and so everyone can join in the fun, I’m offering a limited number of free festive virtual visits to schools in the UK and Ireland. In addition to learning all about Saturnalia through a fun quiz, there will be time for children to ask questions about being an author, writing, books, and reading for pleasure. Further details here.

Find out more about my in person events and school visits here.