If your child is a Roald Dahl fan then make sure you mark Wednesday the 13th of September in your calendar! It’s the only day throughout the year dedicated to celebrating the talented writer, his classic children’s books as well as providing his fans the opportunity to truly embrace and enjoy the magical fictional worlds he created. There’s so many ways you and your kids can celebrate Roald Dahl Day, so make sure you check out what’s local to you and get involved.
Why the 13th of September?
The 13th of September marks Roald Dahl’s birthday- so there’s really no better date to celebrate him and all of his wonderful creations. For a more detailed history of Roald Dahl and his journey to becoming a writer, check out this page.
How can we join in on Roald Dahl Day?
Host a Roald Dahl Party!
If you and your kids are going to be at home on Wednesday, then why not host your own Roald Dahl party? To make it easy- there’s a free party pack you can download, full of fun games and activities for your celebrations. Get yours here.
Dress up for charity
The Dahlicious Dress Up Day is a fun-filled fancy dress day in aid of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s charity. Children are invited to donate £1 to go to school dressed up as their favourite Roald Dahl character. It’s a fantastic way to engage your child’s imagination, ignite their passion for reading as well as donate to a worthwhile charity. Choose from some well-loved characters here.
Puffin Virtually Live
Puffin Virtually Live is a free interactive webcast hosted by CBBC’s Katie Thistleton. This year she’s joined by special YouTube guest Colin Furze, explores the Roald Dahl Museum archives and finds out how Quentin Blake reimagined Billy and the Minnpins. You can sign up here if you want to watch it with your class.
Discover the Roald Dahl emoji
Join in with the Roald Dahl Day celebrations over on Twitter and uncover an exclusive Wonka-inspired emoji! Simply hashtag #RoaldDahlDay from the 13th of September.
Read a Roald Dahl book
Embrace Roald Dahl day by reading one of his extraordinary stories. Whether it’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for the fifth time or joining the twits and their awful ways once again- there’s never been a better time to sit down and enjoy one of his fantastic books. We’ve chosen a few classics, with a short synopsis of each, just in case your child isn’t sure which one they want to choose!
Roald Dahl classics to enjoy
James and the Giant Peach follows the story of James Henry Trotter who lives with his two wicked aunts. After three years, he becomes very sad and lonely, until one day a giant peach starts to grow at the end of his garden. Inside the giant peach, James encounters lots of strange insects, who take him on the most magical adventures. This book is vividly descriptive, funny and has an array of fantastic characters, all amusing in their own individual way.
The BFG is certainly one of Roald Dahl’s most well-loved stories. It follows Sophie and a big friendly giant on their quest to stop the other giants of the land from eating all the humans! It beautifully encompasses the realms of friendship and is entertaining yet heartwarming. It’s also a fantastic read to encourage your child’s imagination- after all the BFG only eats snozzcumbers and glugs frobscottle!
Billy and the Minpins
Billy and the Minpins was Roald Dahl’s last children’s book. A brand-new edition of the story will be published in September, illustrated by Quentin Blake for the first time. It tells the story of a heroic boy called Billy who meets tiny tree-dwelling people called the Minpins, who live in fear of being gobbled up by a fearsome monster. Pre-order here.
