The Reader Unveils Packed Autumn 2026 Programme Featuring New Glow in the Park Family Spectacular
Liverpool’s The Reader has announced its biggest-ever autumn programme, headlined by the launch of Glow in the Park – a brand-new illuminated family experience set to transform Calderstones Park this November.
Running throughout September, October and November, The Reader’s Autumn 2026 season combines literature, wellbeing, family adventures, heritage, food and Halloween celebrations, with a host of brand-new events alongside the return of much-loved favourites.
Glow in the Park to light up Calderstones Park
Making its debut on 5 and 6 November, Glow in the Park promises to offer families a magical alternative to Bonfire Night, transforming the Mansion House gardens into an enchanting illuminated wonderland.
Visitors can expect spectacular light performances, interactive workshops, lantern making, woodland walks, storytelling sessions and a silent disco, creating an immersive evening for all ages.
One of the highlights will be Halo Glow, an illuminated performance by internationally acclaimed Jago Juggling Arts, whose previous appearances include the London 2012 Paralympic Closing Ceremony, Glastonbury Festival and RHS Bridgewater.
Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in an interactive Light Workshop, learning dazzling tricks while exploring the science and beauty of light.
New events for autumn
The season also introduces several exciting firsts for The Reader.
On Saturday 31 October, The Reader will host its first-ever Seasonal Supper Club, combining gothic fiction, candlelight and a specially curated menu prepared by the charity’s in-house chefs. The atmospheric evening promises a celebration of mystery, storytelling and seasonal food.
For those looking to slow down before the festive rush, The Reader Retreat arrives on Sunday 22 November. The day-long experience blends gentle yoga, nature-inspired crafts, nourishing food and Shared Reading sessions exploring themes of rest, reflection and renewal.
Halloween favourites return
Halloween is once again a major highlight of the programme, with the return of the hugely popular Spooky Cinema between 24 and 28 October.
Film fans can enjoy classics including Hocus Pocus, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Labyrinth, You’ve Got Mail, The Woman in Black and Little Shop of Horrors, all shown beneath a giant covered canopy. Guests can also enjoy live music, street food and cocktails before each screening.
Families will have plenty to choose from throughout half-term, including:
- Cosy Pumpkin Carving (25–27 October)
- Monsters’ Ball Halloween Party (31 October)
- Baby’s First Halloween (22 & 24 October)
- Bookshop Bedtime Stories (23 October)
- Halloween at the Storybarn in partnership with children’s publisher Nosy Crow
- Mini Movies screenings of Room on the Broom
- A Creative Comic Workshop with illustrator Penelope O’Neill
A season for book lovers
Literature remains at the heart of everything The Reader does, with an extensive programme celebrating books, writers and Shared Reading.
Highlights include:
- Bookshop After Dark, an evening dedicated to gothic and horror fiction.
- The launch of The Beasts of England, a new anthology from Liverpool publisher Dead Ink.
- A conversation celebrating Delphine Seddon’s debut novel Darkening Song, described as Daisy Jones & The Six meets Euphoria.
- The Royal Literary Fund Writers’ Panel, featuring acclaimed authors, poets and playwrights discussing the books that shaped their lives.
The Reader’s founder Dr Jane Davis will also lead three in-depth literary masterclasses exploring works by George Saunders, George Eliot and Gerard Manley Hopkins.
Meanwhile, readers can immerse themselves in a four-week Deep Read of Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan, one of The Reader’s 2026 Bookshelf selections.
Wellbeing through stories
The Reader’s popular Wellbeing Workshops continue throughout the autumn, combining Shared Reading, guided walks through Calderstones Park and creative poetry sessions.
This season’s themes include Richard Llewellyn’s How Green Was My Valley, a celebration of autumnal poems and stories, and Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey.
Celebrating history and creativity
Autumn also offers new opportunities to explore the heritage of Calderstones Mansion House ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2028.
The annual Heritage Open Day and Garden Party returns on 20 September, featuring exhibitions, heritage crafts, family activities and performances from Liverpool Rock Choir and Millennium School of Dance.
Visitors can also enjoy An Evening of Heritage, Stories and Scouse, beginner Bobbin Lacing Workshops, and the return of the popular Ukulele Festival.
Creative shopping events also feature prominently, with autumn and Christmas editions of Makers at the Mansion showcasing local makers, artists, designers and food producers.
Couples planning their big day can also attend The Reader’s Wedding Open Day on 18 October, meeting the venue’s events team and exploring the Mansion House’s wedding spaces.
Shared Reading remains at the heart of the programme
Alongside the seasonal events, The Reader continues to offer its wide range of free Shared Reading groups, heritage tours, poetry walks, gardening sessions, Chatty Café meet-ups, craft groups and activities at The Storybarn for babies, children and families.
Annie Bowden, Programme & Participation Manager at The Reader, said: “Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year at Calderstones Park. As the season changes around us, we find ourselves drawn to stories that help us reflect, connect and celebrate time together.
“This year’s programme brings together everything we love about The Reader, from family adventures and Halloween celebrations to inspiring literature, wellbeing experiences and opportunities for connection. Whether you’re coming to dance at Glow in the Park, carve a pumpkin, discover a new favourite book or simply spend time in beautiful surroundings, there’s something for everyone.”
The full Autumn 2026 programme is now on sale. Every ticket purchased helps support The Reader’s charitable work, bringing Shared Reading to children, families and adults in communities across Liverpool and beyond.
