In August 2025, we brought United by Stories to the heart of Newcastle - a joyful new event that used football, storytelling and local pride to help families fall in love with reading together. Hosted in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, at their state-of-the-art community venue NUCASTLE, the event combined interactive storytelling sessions, football challenges, crafts, and face painting to create an exciting space where stories were made accessible to everyone.
We all had a lot of fun harnessing the power of football, which is a shared passion amongst many families who joined us, to show that reading can also be fun, social, and deeply connected to the things that children already love.
Highlights from the day included:
- Little ones hanging on every word during our early years stories and songs sessions - Row, Row Your Boat was a clear crowd pleaser!
- Following Sid and Ruby’s adventures around Newcastle with local author Lisa Cryer of Roundabout Rabbits.
- Some seriously impressive goals in the penalty shoot-outs, with Newcastle United Foundation football coaches.
- Bringing book characters to life with children’s author Louise Forshaw (Bad United series).
- And a variety of fantastic activities and services from over 15 trusted family organisations including Family Explorers, Great North Museum, Newcastle Castle, St Oswald’s and Healthworks.
The day was also a brilliant display of community spirit and collaboration! From foam-sword fights with the Newcastle Castle team, to learning about dental hygiene through storytelling, puppetry and performance, there was plenty to engage the senses, with each partner bringing stories to life in a memorable way.
At the end of their visit, all families got to choose free books for their children, along with actionable resources to help them continue sharing the magic of stories together at home.
We hope to see you for more events in the future.
Follow our Facebook page to keep up-to-date with our family activities.
Previous event information:
United by Stories - a FREE family event
- Where: Newcastle United Foundation
- When: Friday 15 August - THIS HAS NOW PASSED
- What time: Drop in 11am to 2pm
- How much: FREE
Come along to United by Stories on Friday 15 August, our brand new summer family event in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation.
What can I do at United by Stories?
From face-painting to storytelling, and crafting to football, families can pop in to check out a variety of stalls from local businesses, charities and organisations – each with something different for you and your family to try.
There will also be face-painting, sensory play sessions for little ones, and sports and games for everyone to enjoy.
We'll be joined by children's author Louise Forshaw of the Bad United series, who will be showing you how to draw one of her iconic book characters!
Keep an eye out on our Facebook page to see all of the fun in action.
Additional event information
- Please note: only trainers or flat shoes are permitted in this venue
- Accessible building for wheelchair users
- Quiet area for those needing some calm
How to get to the venue
United by Stories will take place at:
Newcastle United Foundation
NUCASTLE
Diana Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 6BQ
Only a five-minute walk from St. James’ Park, with St. James metro station nearby.
Centre parking is located around back of the centre, off Stanhope Street next to Avolon Court.