Packed Summer of Free Outdoor Arts, Music And Family Fun Coming To Calderstones Park
Calderstones Park is set to become the cultural heart of Liverpool this summer, as The Reader unveils its most exciting summer programme yet — filled with garden parties, live music, literary legends, theatre under the stars, and magical family fun.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, looking for creative ways to entertain the kids, or fancy joining a poetry walk with an ice cream in hand, there’s something for everyone in this joyful celebration of books, nature, and community.
Summer Garden Parties in Full Bloom
This summer, The Reader invites the whole city to its beautifully restored secret garden and Art Deco Garden Theatre for three free garden parties that promise laid-back vibes, BBQ treats, and soulful sounds.
- Sunday 11 May – The Mersey Forest Takeover: Celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with performances from the all-female Liverpool Show Choir, Shared Reading tasters, Mansion House heritage tours, seed planting, and a poetry walk.
- Sunday 18 May – The Liverpool Philharmonic Takeover: A symphonic treat featuring ensembles from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, In Harmony Liverpool and more, alongside workshops for budding musicians.
- Sunday 20 July – Final Summer Garden Party: Just before the school holidays, enjoy music, crafts, delicious food and a hand-picked “Library on the Lawn.” Bring your own picnic blanket or pull up a deckchair – it’s free to attend, but donations are welcome to support The Reader’s work.
Music in the Park: Ukulele Festival Returns
Back by popular demand, the Ukulele Festival lands on Sunday 22 June, filling the air with feel-good strums from acts like The Ukuladies, The Mad Ukes, The Bowie Ukes and more. From 1pm–6pm, it’s the ultimate relaxing summer Sunday – with music, food and community spirit.
Gardening & Nature Workshops
Join Estuary Botanics for outdoor workshops perfect for green-fingered newbies:
- Meet the Bees (7 June)
- Summer Trees (21 June)
- Botany for Beginners (5 July)
Each session includes expert guidance and all materials, in the tranquil setting of Calderstones Park.
Outdoor Theatre with a Literary Twist
There’s no better setting for storytelling than beneath the open sky. This summer’s outdoor theatre at Calderstones Park includes:
- Twelfth Night (10 July)
- Much Ado About Nothing (1 August)
- Pride and Prejudice (3 August)
- Pan and the Eternal Wreck by The Fabularium (13 August)
- HMS Pinafore (21 August)
Author Events & Shared Reading Highlights
Among this year’s headline literary events:
- Professor Nathan Waddell (11 June): Discussing A Bright Cold Day, his acclaimed biography of George Orwell.
- Jane Davis MBE Shared Reading Masterclass (15 June): The Reader’s founder explores the poems that shaped the charity’s story.
- Sally Nicholls In Conversation (23 June): Award-winning Liverpool-based author of Ways to Live Forever, Sally discusses her new works Godfather Death and Yours From the Tower.
- Deep Read: Wide Sargasso Sea: A four-week immersive reading experience from 28 July, unlocking the complex, evocative world of Jean Rhys’ prequel to Jane Eyre.
- Summer Wellbeing Workshops: Literary-inspired wellbeing strolls include The Summer Book (19 July) and Sense and Sensibility (17 August), in honour of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.
Family-Friendly Fun All Summer Long
Keeping little ones entertained is easy with The Reader’s imaginative line-up:
- Bookshop Bedtime Stories: Snuggle up in PJs on 6 June, 25 July, and 29 August for stories, babyccinos and optional pizza – perfect for a cosy Friday treat.
- Storybarn Fest 2 (31 August): A family festival with storytelling, games, crafts, BBQ and a headline performance from Futureyard’s Mosh Tots Band.
- Holiday Club with a Difference (28 July–22 August): For 5–9 year olds, The Reader’s creative summer club blends storytelling, crafts, nature and imagination in daily themed adventures.
Makers at the Mansion Markets
Shop independent and support local creatives at the Makers at the Mansion markets:
- Sunday 1 June
- Sunday 28 September
With handmade gifts, home décor, soaps, jewellery and more, the market takes over the Mansion House inside and out. Free entry, donations welcome.
This summer, Calderstones Park is more than just a beautiful green space — it’s where Liverpool comes to life. Whether you’re reading under the trees, crafting with the kids, or singing along with the ukulele bands, this is a season of connection, creativity and fresh air.
For more details, bookings and updates, visit The Reader’s website.
