celebrate a love of words this summer!

visit your local libraryAre you ready for some tear jerking, heart thumping, edge of your seat, laugh out loud moments?

Then join us as we celebrate the love of reading and writing over the summer months of 2016, with our packed programme of literacy inspired activity:

Too Write Competition with Hot Air Literary Festival open until 20th May for all ages. Get your pen out and start writing!

The Little Library Van started it’s journey round the city on 5th April, sharing stories with children and families. You can book it for your community event to bring a love of reading to your doorstep. Contact Stoke-on-Trent Libraries.

little library van

100 Reads is a list of the 100 favourite children’s books chosen by local children (and some parents and teachers). Every child will get a copy of the list, and libraries and schools will get a copy of each of the 100 books. The Stoke-on-Trent Libraries and Stoke Speak Out 100 Reads project will be celebrating on the 18th May. Look out for lists and books in your local library from then.

The Big Read Staffordshire University will give a new book to all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children in the city, in partnership with Beanstalk, Stoke-on-Trent Libraries,  and local newspaper the Sentinel – there will be two weeks of press stories about literacy activities.

Voices Festival on the 8th June is a one day literacy festival at Staffordshire University for 110 secondary school students from Horizon Academy. They will be encouraged to develop their writing skills in workshops led by professional writers and to explore their own regional voices through performance poetry, story writing and drama. As part of the celebrations of Shakespeare’s anniversary, The Globe Theatre will also work with a company of student players to present a performance of Macbeth at the end of the festival.

hot air festival logo

Stoke’s Literary Festival “Hot Air” runs from the 9th to 11th June 2016.
The programme includes the Too Write competition prize giving on the 9 June at Staffordshire University, a talk with Catherine Burgass a lecturer at Staffordshire University, interviewing Lisa Blower and a Hot Air author workshop at Staffordshire University on the 10 June.

Read Poetry Out Loud on Friday 10th June – Join with everyone in every school in Stoke-on-Trent, people at Staffordshire University, Stoke Sixth Form College and other organisations across the city reading the poem ‘“Read To Me” by Jane Yolen out loud at 11am.

Staffs Fringe Community Open Day at Staffordshire University & Stoke Sixth Form College on Saturday 11th June includes “Somewhere Special To Read” spaces for reading and storytelling with Beanstalk Charity.

big book swap picnic new logo

The Big Book Swap Picnic in Hanley Park on Sunday 12th June invites the whole community to bring a picnic and a book to swap, from 12-2pm. If you haven’t got a spare book you can write a story or poem in exchange for a spare book. (Secondhand books donated by Stoke-on-Trent Libraries and  service). For ALL ages. Adult and Community Learning and Family Learning, Creative Learning and Wavemaker will run free workshops and activities. Organised by the University Quarter Community Action Network.

 

And there is more planned – keep your eyes open for the Wee Free Library Boxes coming your way soon!

Look for updates on the University Quarter facebook and twitter
as well as Staffs Fringe facebook and twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

Picnic at Fringe Finale

Did you know it’s National Picnic Week 13-21 June?

You are invited to bring a picnic down to the Leek Rd site of Staffordshire University for the Fringe Finale community day from 12 to 3pm.

There is plenty of grass on our lovely campus. Bring a blanket or cloth and enjoy the summer with your neighbours.

photo of lawns on Uni campusEntertainment includes Steel for Stoke steel band, bouncy castles and family sports. You can join in the egg and spoon race, and sack race and Tug of War!

sack race photo

Big Lunch in Hanley Park

Join us for a picnic in Hanley Park 

Big Lunch logoMeet your neighbours, play games and watch performances on the bandstand.

people playing twister picnic games 3 picnic games

Active Uni will lead some team games, so get ready for the fun.

There will be activities for all the family, supported by Thomas Boughey Children’s Centre.

photo of hanley park bandstand by Tony JonesPark Live! means you can take part too. If you have a skill to show off – sing, dance, play, act, tell a joke, read a poem – the stage is yours.

photo of accordion players on hanley park bandstand

 

 

 

 

photographers collective logoThe Photographers Collective North Staffs and Staffordshire University students will join us to lead a photography walk, so bring your camera or phone and meet at the bandstand at 12pm.

See you there!

Big Lunch, ParkLive! and Photo Walk

  • Event location: Hanley Park ST1 4DX

Our feast of Fringe events opens with the ‘Big Lunch’ (A nationwide initiative from The Eden Project) in Hanley Park. Bring along a picnic, chairs & rugs and enjoy the entertainment provided by ParkLive!

big lunch event logo

About The Big Lunch

Of course, if you are in the mood, you can join in. Sing, dance, act, tell a joke, play, do magic tricks, it’s your chance to shine (all acoustic).photo of hanley park bandstand by Tony Jones

There will also be a ‘Photo Walk’ at 2pm, with Photographers Collective North Staffordshire. Bring a camera and get creative! You might also want sensible shoes and an umbrella!photographers collective logo

No booking required. Just turn up. Some snacks and cold refreshments will be provided.