Stoke-on-Trent families are invited to join Stoke Reads at a series of free mini storytelling festivals across the city this summer. 

Taking place in local parks across the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent, these storytelling festivals make the perfect day out for families with children aged 0 – 11 throughout the summer holidays.

On Tuesday, Stoke Reads took over Tunstall Park to host an exciting variety of activities which encourage families to develop a love of reading and create cherished memories by sharing stories together. 

Over 600 children were treated to spellbinding tales from local storytellers including Alan Barrett and Dom Berry, drawing workshops from local illustrators, face-painting, crafts, pop-up sports and skills, and much more.

Over 600 children gathered at Tunstall Park this week to enjoy a variety of activities (Stoke Reads).

Tales in the Park will also bring the magic of stories to:

• Longton Park on Friday 4 August, 11am – 3pm
• Yeaman Street on Tuesday 8 August, 11am – 3pm
• Burslem Park on Thursday 10 August, 11am – 3pm
• Hanley Park on Tuesday 15 August, 11am – 3pm
• Fenton Park on Friday 18 August, 11am – 3pm

There will also be visits from local friends and organisations including the Little Library Van, where children can sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge, Storm Troopers in a Teacup, the Canal & River Trust, Circus in a Box, and the YMCA.

Lois Bateman, Stoke Reads Hub Manager, said: "We are so excited to welcome families to our series of summertime storytelling festivals. Last year, over 4,000 people came to Stoke's wonderful green spaces to celebrate the magic of reading, and we can't wait to do it all over again. With lots of fun activities to enjoy, free books up for grabs and the opportunity to join the Summer Reading Challenge with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries, we hope to inspire families to fall in love with stories this summer. 

"We know how strong the link is between access to literacy, increased mental wellbeing, and greater success at school. That's why our Tales in the Park events are so powerful – they create fun, active and exciting spaces for local families to get excited about stories and engage with literacy."

Tales in the Park events are free to attend but pre-booking is advised where possible (Stoke Reads).

Tales in the Park has been organised by Stoke Reads – the local campaign delivered by the National Literacy Trust – in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries to inspire children to enjoy reading and support parents to encourage their children's literacy skills through the summer holidays and beyond.

Tales in the Park events are free to attend. Pre-booking is advised where possible, while registration will also be available on the day.

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