We are excited to announce that our Connecting Stories campaign has launched in Hastings and St Leonards.

Connecting Stories is an Arts Council England-funded project addressing the literacy attainment gap across our 14 Hub areas and increases children and young people’s access to literary experiences and books in communities most in need of support.

What's happening?

Exciting news - we've launched our Hastings Walk and Talk Trail, in collaboration with East Sussex County Council, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery and the White Rock Theatre. Plus, we have two exciting activities for you to download and enjoy: a Nature Quest Walk and Talk trail and a secret Spy Mission!

The Hastings campaign is supported by Bloomsbury Publishing who have donated books to the Hastings area, and authors Michelle Robinson and Lesley Parr who are supporting the campaign by championing reading and creative writing in the town.

Previously in Connecting Stories...

Exhibitions

Children and young people across Hastings recently took part in a creative writing competition.

The amazing work submitted was displayed in an online exhibition in partnership with the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery throughout May and June. Each entrant also received a copy of their work published in the Hastings anthology.

#Take10ToRead

On May 10th at 10am, we called on the people of Hastings to Take 10 and read. Our research has shown us that reading can be an effective way of helping people take care of their mental health and wellbeing – and it only takes 10 minutes a day to see the benefits!

Over 1600 people from schools and businesses in Hastings took part in the challenge. Children also enjoyed a virtual event with author Anthony Horowitz who encouraged children to follow their passions, and read every morning.

100,000 people across the UK took part in the challenge.