PUPILS at Hayward’s Primary School in Crediton have celebrated World Book Day.

27 February 2026 Hayward's World Book Day These two dressed up as Mary Poppins and James and the Giant Peach (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
These two dressed up as Mary Poppins and James and the Giant Peach (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The school chose to mark the occasion a week early on Friday, February 27 as its year six students would have been away on a residential trip the following week.

27 February 2026 Hayward's World Book Day During the costume parade (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
During the costume parade (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Children dressed up as their favourite fictional characters and took part in a costume parade on the playground at break time.

Some of the most eye-catching costumes
Some of the most eye-catching costumes (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Later, they were paid a visit by volunteers from The Bookery, as part of the Crediton community-owned bookshop’s fortnight of 20 local primary school visits for World Book Day.

Year two pupils in their costumes
Year two pupils in their costumes (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The bookshop told pupils about its “Top Titles for 2026”, a collection of 24 new books of varying difficulty for children aged four to 12. Children had a chance to buy discounted books.

Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl and Harry Potter characters proved the most popular
Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl and Harry Potter characters proved the most popular (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)