The Reader unveils inspiring winter 2027 season in Calderstones Park

Burns Night celebrations, a new Book & Wine Tasting experience, dinosaur encounters, wellbeing events and family half-term fun come to Calderstones Park this winter 

Liverpool-based charity The Reader has unveiled its winter 2027 programme, inviting families, readers and visitors to embrace the new year with a packed season of literature, creativity, wellbeing experiences and family adventures in Calderstones Park.  

Running throughout January and February, the programme combines opportunities for reflection and connection with playful family events, inspiring literary experiences and seasonal celebrations. Highlights include Tales & Tipples a new book & wine tasting evening, the Reader’s much-loved Burns Night Cèilidh, a winter-themed retreat, an immersive dinosaur adventure and a special partnership with The Ministry of Stories.  

The season also includes family favourites at the Storybarn, wellbeing workshops inspired by bestselling books and poetry, literary socials, heritage events and creative opportunities for children during February half-term.  

Annie Bowden, Programme & Participation Manager at The Reader, said: 

"Winter can be a time for fresh starts, connection and reflection, and we've created a programme that offers something for everyone whether you're looking for family adventures, opportunities to meet new people, inspiring stories and ideas, or simply a chance to slow down and recharge.  

Every ticket purchased also helps support The Reader's charitable work bringing the benefits of Shared Reading to people across the UK." 

Literary experiences for book lovers 

Literature remains at the heart of The Reader’s winter season, with a number of new events designed to bring people together. Tales and Tipples, a new book & wine tasting evening on 11 February will pair six expertly selected wines from R&H Wines with a carefully curated collection of readings celebrating some of the most inspirational women in literature.  

The Reader Bookshop will also host a Valentine's-themed edition of its popular Bookshop Social series on 18 February, inviting guests to discover mystery wrapped books, enjoy a glass of prosecco and leave with a surprise new read during a Blind Date with a Book evening.  

For those looking to deepen their literary knowledge, The Reader's founder Jane Davis will lead a day-long Masterclass on 17 January exploring some of the greatest writers of the 14th century, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Julian of Norwich and William Langland.  

Winter wellbeing and moments of reflection 

Following the success of previous wellness-focused events, The Reader Retreat returns for on a full-day experience on 6 February inspired by comfort, connection and renewal during the winter months. Guests will enjoy gentle yoga, Shared Reading, guided reflection, creative activities and nourishing food in a warm and welcoming setting with seasonal touches.  

The programme also includes the much-loved Wellbeing Workshops which combine literary exploration with guided walks in nature and an invitation to build your own poetry collection.  The workshop on 16 January is inspired by the bestselling memoir Raising Hare and the poetry of Rumi on 13 February.  

Visitors interested in local history can also enjoy Twilight Tours: Heritage, Stories & Scouse on Thursday 4 February, an evening featuring an after-hours guided tour of the Mansion House to uncover the fascinating stories and rich heritage that have shaped this remarkable building over the centuries, followed by a traditional bowl of scouse.  

Celebrating Burns Night in style 

Winter festivities begin with two special events celebrating Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. A lively Burns Night Cèilidh on 23 January will welcome the return of traditional Liverpool ceilidh band The Saltcutters for an evening of dancing, poetry and merriment, accompanied by a hearty Scottish stew.  

And on the same evening, a Burns Night-themed Seasonal Supper Club in The Reader’s beautiful bookshop will combine a traditional Scottish feast with, literature and conversation inspired by the life and works of Burns.  

Family adventures throughout winter 

Families can enjoy a packed programme of storytelling, imaginative play and seasonal activities.

Throughout January, The Storybarn will become one of just eight venues nationwide hosting The Story That Moves, a giant storybook touring the nation as part of the National Year of Reading. This major initiative from The Ministry of Stories is designed to inspire children and young people through storytelling, creativity and imagination. Young visitors will have the opportunity to contribute their own stories during selected sessions of Incy Wincy Rhymers, Storybarn Relaxed Hour and Storybarn Drop-Ins between 9 – 25 January.

Other highlights include ROAR-some Storytime on 31 January, an immersive dinosaur experience where children will be guided by a team of Rangers and their collection of baby dinosaurs to enjoy prehistoric stories, dig for fossils, create Jurassic crafts and experience a live dinosaur show.  

During February half-term, families can take part in the family workshop Rewild This Book between 13 – 21 February, created in partnership with children's publisher Nosy Crow and inspired by Lizzie Lomax's interactive nature activity book. Young adventurers will head outdoors with Storyhunters to explore nature through crafts, play and storytelling.

The popular Storybarn Holiday Club returns between 16-18 February for children aged 5-9 led by a team of Storyhunters who will bring stories to life with games, crafts and outdoor adventures in Calderstones Park. 

Families will also be invited to round off the half-term on 19 February with the hippest party in town featuring the amazing Mosh Tots band – famous for their family friendly gigs at Future Yard, Birkenhead.

Throughout the season children can enjoy beloved literary animations with the cosy Mini Movies programmer featuring family favourites from Julia Donaldson including Zog, Superworm, Tabby McTat, The Smeds and The Smoos, Tiddler, The Scarecrows' Wedding and The Baddies. All screenings are relaxed and accompanied with comfy bean bags and activity sheets inspired by the film.

From January, the Storybarn will expand its monthly sessions for children with autism and sensory conditions to a weekly Relaxed Hour slot every Sunday morning at 9am. Families will be able to explore the play space at their own pace at these adapted sessions with quieter surroundings and reduced numbers.

Other popular Storybarn events including Baby Drop-In sessions, Tiny Acorns and Bookshop Bedtime Stories will return throughout the season as well as a special Baby’s First Valentines Day session on 11 February for parents with babies under 1, providing welcoming opportunities for children and families to enjoy stories together. 

Creativity and community 

The season also features opportunities to discover new hobbies and meet like-minded people, including Sip & Stitch on 18 January, a relaxed social evening for knitters, crocheters and crafters of all abilities.  

On 28 February, visitors can browse handmade gifts, art and local produce at the first Makers at the Mansion market of 2027, where music lovers and collectors can also uncover rare finds at the returning Record Fair.

Couples are invited to a Wedding Open Evening on 25 February to meet The Reader’s team of event planners and selected suppliers, and tour the spaces where they could say “I do”, including the charity’s independent bookshop which is now licensed for weddings.   

The full Winter 2027 programme is now on sale at thereader.org.uk/winter2027 Every ticket purchased helps support The Reader's charitable work bringing Shared Reading to children, families and adults in communities across Liverpool and beyond.