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Michael Morpurgo to reveal story of canine courage at Goodwoof

Goodwoof | Press Article 30/01/25

  • World-renowned author and playwright Sir Michael Morpurgo to make one of only two UK public appearances at Goodwoof’s Literary Corner
  • War Horse writer, Michael Morpurgo will discuss his latest canine story: Cobweb

Goodwoof is delighted to announce that eminent and much-loved writer, playwright and performer, Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE, will star in the Literary Corner line-up on Saturday 17 May. Michael will read extracts from his latest book, Cobweb, and talk about his lifelong love of dogs.

Former Children’s Laureate and best-selling author of over 150 books, Michael Morpurgo has sold over 35 million copies worldwide which have been translated into 40 languages. Originally a teacher, he is a vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure and is the current Book Trust President. Many of Michael’s books have been adapted for stage and screen including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse – winner of five Tony and two Olivier Awards – which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world.

Cobweb, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, is set in Britain in 1815 as the war with Napoleon reaches its end. Cobweb, an adorable young corgi, knows nothing of war – he simply loves being a puppy and playing with his owner, Bethan, exploring the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside and chasing rabbits. But, when he is taken away from Bethan and sold, Cobweb must become a Drover’s Dog – herding sheep and cattle for hundreds of miles alongside another dog who becomes his friend on the long, treacherous journey to London. Ultimately, Cobweb meets an unexpected stranger with an incredible tale to tell on his journey home.

Michael Morpurgo said, “I’m really looking forward to being at Goodwoof this year. As a family we always had dogs – lurchers and whippets mainly, my wife’s favourites. Many of my books have dogs at their heart including Shadow, Born to Run and It’s a Dog’s Life as well as my latest publication, Cobweb.

Copies of Cobweb will be available to purchase from the Goodwoof bookshop.

Goodwoof, in association with HarperCollins Children’s Books, is delighted to offer primary school children the chance to have their own short story read by Sir Michael Morpurgo. Budding writers are tasked with penning a snappy short story, with the winner set to receive 50 of Michael’s titles published by HarperCollins Children’s Books which the author will present at Goodwoof. The winner’s school will also receive the same prize. Four runners up will receive family tickets to Goodwoof on Saturday 17 May so they can join the Literary Corner audience and hear Sir Michael speak. Entry details can be found here.

-ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

Goodwoof, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 May 2025.

Tickets
Tickets for Goodwoof are now on sale and can be purchased at goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on +44 (0)1243 755055. All dogs and children aged 12 and under go free and there is a half-price Young Person’s ticket for those aged between 13 and 21. All activities across the event are included in the ticket price.

Customers can choose to donate to Wild at Heart Foundation when purchasing their ticket for the event.

Contact
For more information about Goodwoof please contact, Katharine Morgan, PR Manager: Katharine.Morgan@goodwood.com

For more information about Michael Morpurgo contact Philippa Perry: pnlp@dircon.co.uk or Elisa Offord: elisa.offord@harpercollins.co.uk Marketing & Publicity Director, Harper Collins Children’s Books

For all other press enquiries please contact: media@goodwood.com

Imagery and news from Goodwood are available from Press & Media Site.

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About Goodwoof
Goodwoof is a celebration of all that we love about dogs on the Goodwood Estate. It takes place in the fields around the James Wyatt-designed Kennels, which is now the social home of our sporting membership on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025. The event offers a wide range of activities and demonstrations designed to delight, entertain and inform. Dog owners and their families and friends can encourage their own dog to have a go, browse our carefully hand-picked retailers, enjoy a dip in Fido’s Lido, sit back with a glass of Taittinger champagne, relax in The Randox Studio with a spot of sound bathing, reiki or dog yoga, or marvel at the clever kennels designed by architects from around the world as part of the Barkitecture competition.

For more information, go to www.goodwood.com/goodwoof