Children can enjoy anything from dance and drama to parades, circus and literature at this year's Brighton Festival.

Jacqueline Wilson, one of the most successful children's writers, will be giving a talk for seven to 13-year-olds on May 25 at the Corn Exchange. The talk will also be signed.

For the older literature lover there is fantasy author Terry Pratchett who will be talking with ex-Monty Python star Terry Jones.

There are also two circuses in the city. The popular Moscow State Circus is at Preston Park until May 26 and Circus Baobab, an African acrobatic and daredevil team, will join them from May 18 to 21.

On May 11, Groupe F will stage A Little More Light, a free pyrotechnic show that will create images out of fire at Preston Park.

Youngsters who like theatre and hip hop music will enjoy Rome And Jewels, a breakdance version of Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, at the Theatre Royal on May 22 to 25.

Another dramatic piece is children's theatre company Unicorn's production of Red Red Shoes, a play which follows the life of a young dancer caught up in a war-torn country.

It is a hard-hitting piece of theatre that, as well as being entertaining, aims to make children think.

This is the view of the play's choreographer Dan O'Neill who believes it is important for youngsters to experience more than just mainstream entertainment.

He said: "It is quite a powerful play aimed at youngsters. I think they are able to take plays like this more than adults probably think because their lives are often quite complicated.

"The play is a well-crafted piece that is very humorous. It definitely does not short-change anyone.

"Tony Graham, the director, was very clear about not wanting to make theatre for children but instead making children's theatre.

"What I mean by this is he does not believe in dumbing down. He wants to make children think and raise issues about the world. It is not just about entertainment."

Franvera is the main character in the play and she lives to dance.

Based on the original by Hans Christian Andersen, it is presented in a rhythmic way set around the recent Balkan conflict.

Mr O'Neill, 39, who also has a short film being shown during the festival on May 11, said: " Franvera wants to be a dancer but all these terrible things happen to her and her family.

"The audience is introduced to Franvera's life through memories she recollects in therapy.

"Sometimes she is having these very real flashbacks about her life and other times she is being coaxed through her trauma.

"The red shoes are a very powerful symbol during the play.

"They empower Franvera. Somehow her ambition gets her through life.

"There are lots of physical movements in the piece and lots of contemporary music as well as folk styles."

The play first opened in London last autumn.

Mr O'Neill said: "We did workshops and then auditions.

"We took on some specialist dancers and some performers who are both actors and dancers.

"Originally we had six weeks to rehearse before we put on the play and we have just had another two weeks to rework the piece for the tour."

It is being performed at the Theatre Royal on May today and tomorrow at 10.30am, on Thursday at 10.30am and 1.30pm, on Friday at 7.30pm and on Saturday at 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8.

For more information, or to book, call the box office on 01273 709709 or visit www.brighton-festival.org.uk