The Reader announces huge series of events for 2026 winter season

Liverpool-based Shared Reading charity The Reader launches its Winter Season with a huge line-up of events.

The Reader starts the UK’s first National Year of Reading 2026 with a two-month celebration of poetry, prose and talks at its home in the iconic grade-II listed Mansion House at the heart of Calderstones Park, Allerton.

A stellar line-up of literary events spanning winter wellbeing workshops, deep reads and author talks, plus family-friendly February half term activities and workshops kicks off with a lively Burns Night Cèilidh on Saturday 25 January, 7pm – 11pm. 

This annual evening of dancing, poetry and a hearty Scottish stew is traditionally held in memory of one of Scotland’s renowned storytellers, Robert Burns. The Mansion House sees the return of popular Liverpool band The Saltcutters, known for their rip-roaring traditional fiddle music from across Ireland and the UK.

Other highlights include the start of a new four-week Deep Read featuring 2024’s best-selling Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey – following a day in the life of six astronauts on the International Space Station – every Wednesday from 21 January – 11 February at 2pm.

Looking for a new hobby for the New Year? Thursday 22 January sees the launch of a new monthly Sip & Stitch Social for anyone interesting in learning to crochet or knit or connect with fellow stitchers. This is the perfect casual space to learn, share tips, and unwind over a glass of wine. Absolute beginners welcome.

Any couples looking to tie-the-knot at the beautiful historic Mansion House are invited to meet The Reader’s team of dedicated events planners, talented onsite chefs and selected suppliers at the charity’s next Wedding Open Day, Sunday 1 February, 11am – 3pm.

Celebrating Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) season is the charity’s first Blind Date with a Book on Thursday 12 February, 6.30pm. A £10 entry ticket includes a glass of fizz on arrival, snacks, nibbles, time to mingle with fellow book lovers and £5 towards any book purchase on the night. 

Early booking is highly recommended for The Reader’s popular February half-term Storybarn Holiday Club, Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February. Each session is designed to be fun, playful and engaging, adapted to suit a range of ages between 5-10 years old.

A busy February half term of family-friendly events in Calderstones Park kicks off with a musical production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, especially for children under-10, by Liverpool’s Bookworm Players on Monday 16 February, 11am and 2pm.

Young bookworms are invited to a Meet the Author event with Chanté Timothy (Daddy Do My Hair; Hey You!) on Friday 20 February, 1pm – 3pm for a Q&A followed by a STEM-inspired workshop making slime based on her bright and bold full-colour graphic novel series Supa Nova.

Families can also join two cosy evenings of Bookshop Bedtime Stories after-hours in The Reader Bookshop on Friday 30 January and Friday 27 February, 5.30pm –6.30pm. There’ll be lots of comfy blankets and cushions to snuggle into and everyone will help to build their very own story together. Best suited for children aged 4–9-years-old. All children will receive a free babycino.

The charity’s literary programme also includes a second Winter Wellbeing Workshop on Saturday 21 February, 1pm – 3.30pm is inspired by Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell’s historical fiction following the cinema release of a new film adaptation starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

On the same weekend The Reader’s Founder, Dr Jane Davis will explore the work of medieval English poet Chaucer in this February’s Masterclass on Sunday 22 February, 10am – 4pm.

And an ‘In Conversation’ for adults will take place with New York Times best-selling illustrator David Roberts to discuss his latest work We Are Your Children: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism in The Reader Bookshop on Thursday 26 February, 6.30pm –8pm.

Jamie Barton, Literary Activity and Bookshop Manager at The Reader Bookshop said:

“2026 is set to be the National Year of Reading, and we are starting it off with some brilliant reads like Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and Orbital by Samantha Harvey. 

“For this programme we’re drawing inspiration from The Reader’s 2026 Bookshelf which we are excited to share soon. If you’re looking for an opportunity to try something brand-new and enriching in 2026, it’s the perfect time to get involved in Shared Reading!”

The National Year of Reading sets out to encourage a love of books and reading to children from an early age. The number of children and young people in the UK now reading a book for pleasure has dropped to its lowest level in 20 years. The National Literacy Trust has revealed just one in three eight to 18-year‑olds enjoy reading in their spare time – a 36% reduction in two decades. 

Find out more on The Reader website.

Find more events across Liverpool on our calendar.

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