Libraries to inspire next generation of tech gurus in West Norfolk

A festival for next generation of coders and creators is set to return across Norfolk County Council’s libraries.

DigiFest 2022 will give children aged four to 14 the chance to get hands-on with fun digital tech from Tuesday, February 1.

The free workshops will run throughout the month and hope to spark an interest in technology among Norfolk’s youngest residents.

The events include simple coding for the under fives, learning how to create a stop-motion film and creating a work of art with a 3D pen.

Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council said: "DigiFest has always been popular and it’s easy to see why.

"Learning and creating with technology really captures the imagination and the children who attend have lots of fun. "We hope that learning how to code or using stop-motion will spark an interest in digital skills that will last a lifetime."

Jill Terrell, head of Norfolk’s library and information service said: "The sessions are designed to be a fun and interesting way for families to discover new technologies.

"Digifest is a great way to improve digital inclusion by providing both the incentive and opportunity to engage with something new."

In 2020 the festival saw over 600 children attend 90 events across the county and the festival makes a return after being postponed during the lockdown.

Speaking after an event in 2020, one parent said: "My daughter really enjoyed it.

"She’d never done anything like this before and has no computer experience either but felt very pleased to pick up some coding skills and she enjoyed the company of the other young people on the course too.

"We will come back to use the computers and carry on as she felt it was a lot of fun."

The events are taking place in libraries across the county all through February and can be booked online here.