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The Children’s Publishing Picnic returns to Regent’s Park, an informal celebration of children’s publishing

By John Freeman on 22 May 2023

Here’s a date for published authors and illustrators and publishing houses – the return of The Children’s Publishing Picnic, a fun, chilled gathering for like minded folk, taking place in Regent’s Park, London, on Saturday 29th July 2023.

A totally informal, relaxed event – Bring Your Own food, chairs, etc. – it’s described as the perfect excuse to meet lots of children’s publishing folk over a Scotch Egg and a fizzy Tizer!

“Last year was amazing, but let’s make this one even better!” enthuses award-winning author, illustrator and podcaster Steven Lenton. “Authors, illustrators, designers, editors, publicists, sales/marketing, MD’s, dogs – all welcome!”

“It’s not a networking situation,” he emphasises on Twitter, “just friends, fun, gossip and catching up!

“Bring food, drinks and a blanket and prepare to have a super fun afternoon!”

• The Children’s Publishing Picnic 2023, Regent’s Park, London 1.00 – 5.00pm Saturday 29th July 2023 | Bookmark the Twitter Thread Here | Steven Lenton Linktree |

• Official Guide to Regent’s Park – Getting There, Facilities and Other Information

• Studio Mate Steve Podcast

Steven produces a podcast where he chats to other children’s book illustrators about their life, work, career and anything else they wish to divulge. Also publishing tips and tricks, advice and gossip!

You can listen to the introductory episode wherever you usually listen to your favourite podcasts, simply search ‘Studio Mate Steve’ – check out all the links you need here

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.