Toast Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday this summer

This year marks Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday. Find out how you can celebrate the life and work of the world’s greatest storyteller with events around the UK.

Twits roald dahl centenary, quentin blake,
Titular characters of The Twits eating dinner. Credit: Quentin Blake

WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF ROALD DAHL, 12 August to 14 Jan 2017, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

This event explores the life and times of Roald Dahl, as well as diving into his stories and characters through the use of seven different worlds. The event features exclusive content from the archives of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story centre.

THE BFG, in cinemas 22 July

Steven Spielberg, the director of the hugely successful Indiana Jones series, has brought to life this classic tale. The movie’s cast includes Oscar-winner Mark Rylance as the titular character, and the young orphan Sophie is played by Ruby Barnhill.

Pete Fowler city of the unexpected roald dahl cardiff centenary
City of the Unexpected celebration in Cardiff, Wales, 17-18 September. Credit: Pete Fowler

THE CITY OF THE UNEXPECTED, 17 September to 18 September, Cardiff

Roald Dahl was born in Cardiff in 1916, on 13 September. On the weekend after his birthday, the city will be transformed by the biggest arts event to ever take place in the city, turning into locations from the books, and characters will pop up in unexpected locations. Thousands of performers are set to be involved.

THE BFG IN PICTURES, 24 June to 2 October, House of Illustrations, London

The House of Illustrations is holding an exhibition of Quentin Blake’s original drawings, curated by the man himself.

QUENTIN BLAKE: INSIDE STORIES, 16 July to 20 November, National Museum Wales, Cardiff

This exhibition showcases Quentin Blake’s final illustrations, as well as his intermediary drafts from Roald Dahl’s stories, including Matilda, The Twits, and Danny, the Champion of the World

Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl in the middle of his life.

LOVE FROM BOY: ROALD DAHL’S LETTERS TO HIS MOTHER, out now

Originally by John Murray, the book is edited by Roald Dahl’s official biographer, Donald Sturrock and re-released for this historic anniversary, featuring jokes, interesting observations, serious, tender, or purely outrageous stories. It offers a fresh perspective on the life of the legend Roald Dahl.

ROALD DAHL’S TREMENDOUS ADVENTURES, until 2 October, Tatton Park

The park will mark the author’s centenary with character-themed displays and trails throughout the grounds and mansions. The events range from outdoor theatre and cinema snacks, to a birthday picnic, featuring a Roald Dahl twist.

Words: Khusrau Islam

Related articles

Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th anniversary
5 turning points in British history
In photos: Britain’s beautiful walled gardens
Britain’s fabulous film and TV locations 2016

Click here to subscribe!
OFC_BRI_UK.indd

Download BRITAIN Magazine to your mobile today