PHPS Supports Tales in the Park and Launches New Community Book Nook

PH Production Services is proud to be supporting this summer’s Tales in the Park, a series of free family storytelling festivals delivered by the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries. Taking place across all six towns of the city, the events form part of the National Year of Reading 2026 which is a nationwide campaign encouraging children and families to discover the joy of reading.
As part of its support, PH Production Services has made a cash donation and provided a little extra support with event infrastructure to help make this year’s festivals possible. The programme brings together storytelling, creative activities and outdoor fun, giving thousands of local children and families the opportunity to enjoy a free day out while discovering the magic of books.
Inspired by the National Year of Reading, PH Production Services is also preparing to launch the King Street Studios Book Nook, which will be a permanent community “bring a book, swap a book” space at its headquarters and community venue.
Open to everyone, the Book Nook will encourage visitors to take a book, leave a book and help keep the shelves stocked for others to enjoy. Whether it’s a favourite children’s story, a well-loved novel or a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, the aim is simple: make books more accessible and encourage a lifelong love of reading. The team is also inviting members of the community to donate books they no longer need to help the collection continue to grow.
Peter Herbert, Managing Director of PH Production Services, said: “Stories have an incredible ability to spark imagination, build confidence and create moments of escape. As an 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. That’s why supporting Tales in the Park and creating our own Book Nook felt like such a natural fit for us. If we can help even a few more children discover the magic of books, inspire a lifelong love of reading or simply encourage families to spend time sharing stories together, then we’ll have achieved something really worthwhile.”
Now in its fifth year, Tales in the Park has become one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most popular free family events, combining traditional summer entertainment with imaginative literacy activities that inspire children to read through play, storytelling and creativity. Last summer alone, the festivals welcomed more than 5,300 visitors and helped register 590 new library members, demonstrating the lasting impact the programme continues to have across the city.
This summer’s events take place from 11am–3pm on:
• Tuesday 28 July – Tales in the Park at Tunstall Park
• Friday 31 July – Tales in the Park at Hanley Park
• Tuesday 4 August – Tales in the Park at Yeaman Street Recreational Ground
• Friday 7 August – Tales in the Park at Fenton Park
• Tuesday 11 August – Tales in the Park at Longton Park
• Friday 14 August – Tales in the Park at Burslem Park
Every event is free to attend and features professional storytellers, crafts, circus skills, pop-up sports, creative activities and a free book for every child while stocks last.
Whether you’re looking to inspire a young reader, spend quality time with your family or simply enjoy a free day out this summer, Tales in the Park offers something for everyone. Find out more about the National Year of Reading 2026 and make your own “Go All In” pledge to celebrate the power of reading, then come along to one of the free festivals and be part of a city-wide celebration of stories, imagination and community.