Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is set to host a delightfully noisy literary event this December, featuring acclaimed children's author and illustrator Duncan Beedie.
A Rock & Roll Storytime for Families
The museum has organised a special book reading and signing event with the creator of 'Heavy Metal Badger' on Saturday 13 December 2025. Duncan Beedie will read from his popular picture book, which follows the adventures of a badger with a passion for loud, heavy metal music. The story is packed with rock-themed puns and visual gags as the protagonist experiments with different musical groups before finding his perfect 'musical family'.
Event Details and Interactive Fun
Three separate hour-long sessions are scheduled throughout the day at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. Each interactive session will feature a live reading by Beedie himself, renowned for his playful storytelling and bold, character-driven illustrations that have won him a devoted following among children aged three to eight and their parents.
Following the reading, children can unleash their creativity during a fun 'create your own band name' activity designed to spark imaginations. Tickets are priced at £3.50 for one child and one accompanying adult. Due to limited places, early booking is strongly recommended.
Connecting Literature with Birmingham's Heritage
Kingston Myles, director of enterprise and innovation at Birmingham Museums Trust, highlighted the significance of hosting the event. "We are delighted to be hosting this special family-friendly event at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery," Myles said. "Museums can provide a physical space to connect with the topics and themes found in books."
He also noted the timely connection with the gallery's current exhibition, stating, "With the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition currently on display, this event combines literacy with tangible, real-world experiences and offers our youngest visitors a way to engage with the stories that shape our city."
Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of 'Heavy Metal Badger' on the day.
