Families are invited to our free storytelling festival series, ‘Tales in the Park’, throughout the summer holidays.
Taking place in six local parks across the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent, these accessible storytelling festivals make the perfect day out for families with children aged 0 – 13.
Visitors will be treated to storytelling, pop-up sports, crafts, circus skills, a bouncy castle, and so much more. These exciting activities encourage families to develop a love of reading and create cherished memories by sharing stories together.
From 11am – 3pm, Tales in the Park will take over:
- Tunstall Park on Tuesday 30 July
- Longton Park on Friday 2 August
- Yeaman Street Recreation Ground on Tuesday 6 August
- Burslem Park on Friday 9 August
- Fenton Park on Tuesday 13 August
- Hanley Park on Friday 16 August
Through a fun, fairground atmosphere, we use the appeal of popular hobbies such as sports and crafts to engage children with literacy. Our research shows that over half (56%) of children don’t enjoy reading – the lowest level in almost two decades – demonstrating the need for literacy-based activities which spark playfulness and excitement.
With generous support from HarperCollins, children will be gifted a free book to take home and enjoy*. Our latest research shows that at least two children in every classroom (6.8%) in the West Midlands say they do not have a book of their own at home, demonstrating the necessity of gifting books to those who need them most. As book ownership is linked to success in school and increased mental wellbeing, creating fun, active spaces like Tales in Park which celebrate stories is more important than ever to help more children discover the magic of reading in Stoke.
“We’re so excited that Tales in the Park is back for its third year in a row! Last year, nearly 6,000 people came along to Stoke-on-Trent’s parks and more than 300 people signed-up to the library. This is exactly the kind of buzz we hope to achieve, engaging our city with creative activities, storytelling and free books – all accessible on their doorstep. At the heart of all our activities is a wish to inspire families to fall in love with stories, this summer and beyond.”
Lois Bateman, Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent
We have organised Tales in the Park in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries and YMCA North Staffordshire to inspire children to enjoy reading and encourage parents to support their children’s reading engagement all year round. The library service will also bring their Little Library Van, where attendees can register to become a member and children can sign up to the The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Each festival is completely free to attend with no pre-booking required – families can just turn up on the day. Families can follow us on Facebook.com/StokeLiteracyTrust where you will find more information and regular updates.
[*] Free books available one per child and while stocks last. Activities and organisations attending may vary between events.