Go All In Together! event: Where sticks become stories: A musical journey

About the event

You are invited to step into a world where imagination leads, music stirs curiosity and a simple stick can become anything at all. Inspired by Stanley’s Stick, written by John Hegley, illustrated by Neal Layton, and published by Hodder Children’s Books, this exclusive live moment celebrates National Share-a-Story-Month with a joyful blend of rhythm, narrative and creativity for young children.

This event is a Go All In Together! moment, part of the National Year of Reading 2026.

Who's it for?

Aimed at children in Early Years and KS1/ P1-P3 pupils, including children with childminders.

What to expect during the event

Join us for a celebration of reading, music and imagination that helps children use stories to discover the outdoors.

🎶 First half: A musical story experience

We begin with a performance of Stanley’s Stick, accompanied by the Northern Chamber Orchestra. Expect an immersive and active journey where story and sound weave together to inspire curiosity and storytelling of the world around us.

🌿 Second half: Interactive workshop

Children will have the chance to contribute to a special four-nation-version of Stanley's Stick crafted by storyteller, Danyah Miller and illustrator of Stanley's Stick, Neal Layton. Find out how they can get involved below:

Before the event

Give your children the chance to shape the workshop and have a special mention within the event.

Ahead of the event, you and your class are invited to discuss three prompt questions in your classrooms. We want to use the ideas they come up with as part of the creative process for the event. Learning Management System users will also find the link to the form there.

Deadline for contributions: midday, Tuesday 05 May.

Even if your class ideas aren’t selected for the workshop, every school or setting that fills out the survey after the event will be automatically entered into a prize draw.

How to join the event

Please complete the form at the bottom of this webpage to secure your place at the event in May.

Once registered, you’ll receive everything you need to take part and bring the magic to your children.

This event will be hosted as a YouTube premiere online event, and you will receive the direct link to the email you sign up with closer to the event.

What to prepare for the event

1. Answer our prompt questions with your children ahead of Tuesday 05 May for the chance to have a special mention, and for their suggestions to shape the workshop.
2. Before the live event, please gather a small collection of sticks for children to use. Alternatively, provide sheets of paper and colouring pens or pencils for children to draw their own stick during the session.
3. If the children taking part are across phases or year groups, we encourage them to come together and watch the event in a communal area in your setting.