More than 3,000 people visited Victoria Park to take part in a reading festival.

The 10th annual Children's Reading Festival organised by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority on Saturday, featured story readings, face painting, reading games, fun castles and creative arts stations for drawing, colouring and writing.

President of the sorority's Bermuda Alumnae Chapter Denise Riviere said: "In today's video game and television society, it is critical that we remind children and parents that reading is vital to the future success of our community."

This years theme, 'Put down the video games and pick up a book,' emphasised that message.

The event aims to help build a life-long bond with books, giving a free book to every child that attends. Education Minister El James participated in the event, reading several books to the crowd of children in attendance.

"It was amazing. Absolutely incredible," said Mr. James. "The kids enjoyed it too. They sat there with their eyes and their mouths wide open.

"If we could get more parents to read to the children every day, we would see a huge difference in the schools."