This spring, hundreds of school children in Swindon are set to enjoy events that bring their hobbies and interests to life – from mythology to Formula 1, science to football – all through reading.
Building on the buzz of World Book Day (5 March), the National Literacy Trust in Swindon has coordinated a month of events that invites authors, poets, influencers, and special experts to inspire children and young people to dive deeper into their passions through reading.
This spring, hundreds of school children in Swindon are set to enjoy events that bring their hobbies and interests to life – from mythology to Formula 1, science to football – all through reading.
Building on the buzz of World Book Day (5 March), the National Literacy Trust in Swindon has coordinated a month of events that invites authors, poets, influencers, and special experts to inspire children and young people to dive deeper into their passions through reading.
Activities include a comics workshop with Nick Pavone of Swindon Story Shed at Seven Fields Primary School on 9 March, with two more schools to benefit later this year.
Children’s author Davina Tijani will visit Swindon Academy Beech Avenue and Holy Cross Catholic Primary School on 18 March to share her stories inspired by world mythology, marking the first in a year of monthly author events pledged by publisher Little Tiger Press for Swindon schools.
On 24 March, former motorsports commentator Maurice Hamilton is visiting Lainesmead Primary School and Seven Fields Primary School to share his books about Formula 1 drivers.
In April, poet James Carter will meet pupils at Nythe Primary School and Oaktree Nursery and Primary School, providing interactive workshops that bring his bug and minibeast themed poetry collection to life.
This builds on recent virtual events which have already been a big hit with local young people – including a special event for Swindon schools with science influencer, Big Manny, who inspired 1,276 local children to read into chemistry and physics in February.
The series of hobbies-inspired events for schools in Swindon is in support of the National Year of Reading 2026, an initiative from the Department for Education in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust to address the steep decline in reading enjoyment among UK children, young people and adults.
The latest research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children and young people’s enjoyment of reading and daily reading in their free time are at the lowest level recorded in 20 years – in the South West just 32.3% of young people aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading while only 19.4% reported reading daily.
To help address this challenge, the National Literacy Trust is inviting children and young people in Swindon to join the nation and ‘Go All In’ on their interests and passions and (re)discover how reading can unlock the things they already love – from music and sport to films, food and family time – in whatever way works for them.
Evidence shows validating children’s choice to explore different reading formats and personally meaningful themes can make a difference. The same National Literacy Trust research shows that 37.1% of children and young people who don’t enjoy reading said that “finding books that match my interests or hobbies” would motivate them to read more. The research also highlights the potential of comics to inspire more children to read, with 42% of children who enjoy reading – and 23% who don’t – saying they read comics.
In Swindon, the Go All In campaign will build a grassroots, locally-led reading movement, expanding on the 8-year legacy of the National Literacy Trust’s place-based work in the community.
The National Year of Reading will provide opportunities for more Swindon residents to ‘Go All In’ on their passions through reading. The initiative isn’t only for schools, with regular community events for families with younger children and volunteering opportunities planned across the town.
Anish Harrison, Manager of the National Literacy Trust in Swindon, said: “Through activities in our communities across the last eight years and great conversations with the young people we’ve met, we know we can make a difference by validating children’s personal reading choices and interests – using hobbies as hooks. We’ve seen faces transform from scepticism to enthusiasm simply by giving children and young people permission to read in their own way about what matters to them.
“Together, with existing and new partners, Swindon is seizing the once-in-a-generation opportunity of the National Year of Reading. We’re bringing volunteers, authors, and inspirational role models into our communities to proudly celebrate all forms of reading and respond to children and young people’s interests. It’s so important to meet them where they are with unique reading opportunities that stir their curiosity and help them see all that reading can be.”
Swindon is one of 21 areas across the UK where the National Literacy Trust has made a longstanding commitment to empowering local children, young people and families with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. In Swindon, like other areas, the charity brings together local businesses, health, education, cultural and community organisations, alongside dedicated Literacy Champions – volunteers from all walks of life who are passionate about encouraging a love of reading in their communities – to develop and deliver place-based solutions to inspire a generation of readers.
Find out more about the National Literacy Trust’s work in Swindon at literacytrust.org.uk/swindon
Find out more about the National year of Reading 2026 at goallin.org.uk
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