Purpose

• Deliver creative, engaging pop-up storytelling sessions in community
settings across Doncaster
• Build excitement and engagement leading up to the flagship outdoor
storytelling festival at Sandall Beat Wood
• Support early language development, communication, and a love of reading • Encourage shared parent–child storytelling experiences
• Connect families into Family Hubs, libraries, Arts and Culture and early help
services

Decision

To commission local creative, cultural and community arts organisations to deliver a programme of high-quality pop-up storytelling experiences as part of Every Child a Reader (ECAR) Summer Programme 2026.
This programme forms part of a wider South Yorkshire initiative to improve early language, literacy, and school readiness, with a particular focus on engaging families with young children who are least likely to access traditional reading opportunities.
The Doncaster programme will be themed around the much-loved story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt using the idea of journeys, exploration and discovery to create engaging storytelling experiences across local communities.
Budget
£25k Festival
£15k Storytelling Roadshow
Funds will be available both internally and as part of grants.

Alternative options considered

N/A