Storytelling magic returns to Stoke as Tales in the Park celebrates its fifth year

Families across Stoke-on-Trent are invited to step into a world of stories, imagination and summer fun as the National Literacy Trust in Stoke's much-loved Tales in the Park series returns for its fifth year.

Taking place in local parks across the city’s six towns, these free, accessible storytelling events are the perfect day out for families with children aged 0 – 13. 

Visitors will be treated to a jam-packed day of storytellers, book-gifting, pop-up sports, crafts, circus skills, a bouncy castle, facepainting and more; all designed to celebrate stories and the joy they bring. Accessible activities and quieter spaces will also ensure that there’s something for everyone, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. 

This year's events fall in the National Year of Reading, a campaign that champions the power of reading to help children get more out of the things they love. Whether that’s sport, creativity, superheroes or adventure, Tales in the Park will connect stories to these popular interests and show families that reading can be a fun and exciting part of everyday life. 

This matters, because recent research from the National Literacy Trust shows that only a third of children and young people (34.4%) aged 8-18 in the West Midlands reported enjoying reading in their free time [1]. What’s more, across the region 1 in 10 children say that they do not have a book of their own at home [2]. Book ownership is linked to reading for pleasure, which has a positive impact on many areas of children’s lives; from boosting their confidence and wellbeing to improving their academic performance and future outcomes. 

With generous support from HarperCollins, all children who attend Tales in the Park will be gifted a free book to take home and enjoy* giving families even more opportunities to continue the storytelling adventure after the festival ends. 

From 11am – 3pm, Tales in the Park will take over: 

• Tunstall Park on Tuesday 28 July 
• Hanley Park on Friday 31 July 
• Yeaman Street Recreation Ground on Tuesday 4 August 
• Fenton Park on Friday 7 August 
• Longton Park on Tuesday 11 August 
• Burslem Park on Friday 14 August 

The events are completely free and with no pre-booking required, families can simply turn up, bring a picnic and make a day of it.  

Lois Bateman, Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, said: 

"Tales in the Park is all about bringing families together to enjoy stories, have fun and make special memories during the summer holidays. We know that children are more likely to develop a love of reading when it feels enjoyable and connects with the things that interest them. 

"Every year, it's wonderful to see our city's parks filled with families discovering new books and sharing stories together. Last year, more than 5,000 people joined us, we gave away over 3,300 books and supported nearly 600 new library sign-ups. We're excited to celebrate our fifth year and can't wait to welcome families back for another fantastic summer."  

Tales in the Park is delivered by the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries, who will bring their Little Library Van so that families can register for library membership and find out about reading activities across the year. The festival is also supported by local businesses and organisations such as PH Production Services Ltd, Synectic Solutions, Chatty Duck, Burslem Rotary and local councillors. 

Peter Herbert, Managing Director of PH Production Services, said: 

"We're proud to support Tales in the Park and help more local children and families discover the joy of reading. As a parent and emergency foster carer, I've seen first-hand just how powerful books can be in helping children process emotions, discover new ideas and simply enjoy being children. Reading opens doors, encourages curiosity and gives young people opportunities that stay with them for life." 

Lauren Oakley, Learning and Engagement Coordinator at Synectic Solutions Limited, said: 

"We're delighted to be sponsoring Tales in the Park. Inspiring children to discover the joy of reading and encouraging families to share stories together is a fantastic mission, and we're proud to support an event that makes such a positive difference." 

For more information and updates, visit the National Literacy Trust in Stoke’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StokeLiteracyTrust/