Introduction
Family-friendly festivals around the world are increasingly embracing storytelling stages and literacy trails as key features to engage children and parents alike. Amid the excitement and noise of a festival, a quiet corner where stories are told can offer a welcome refuge. These spaces not only entertain kids with captivating tales but also promote reading and learning in a fun, interactive way. From small community events to massive international festivals, incorporating storytelling and literacy activities has proven to create calm moments in busy days and leave a lasting positive impact on young attendees.
The Magic of Storytelling at Festivals
Storytelling has a timeless appeal – especially for children. Integrating a storytelling stage at a festival provides a dedicated zone for young imaginations to soar. Why add story sessions to a festival? For one, it enriches the family experience. Parents appreciate a place where kids can settle down on cushions under a shady tent and be whisked away into fairy tales, adventures, or local folklore. Children, in turn, get a break from walking and stimulation overload, finding calm and focus in a narrated story. Festivals like the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. illustrate this well: even amid huge crowds, organizers ensure children have dedicated author sessions and story activities, recognizing that stories create calm in busy days (blogs.loc.gov) (blogs.loc.gov).
Moreover, storytelling stages underscore a festival’s commitment to culture and education. They demonstrate that the event isn’t just about music, food, or rides – it’s also about inspiring the next generation. Many successful family festivals report that their story areas become a cherished feature year after year, drawing praise from attendees. This magical atmosphere of a captivated circle of kids listening to a storyteller can become a defining image of a truly family-friendly festival.
Creating a Cozy, Quiet Space
When setting up a storytelling stage, location is everything. Festival producers should seek out a quiet, somewhat secluded spot on the grounds – away from loud stages or bustling thoroughfares. This could be under a group of trees in a park, inside a smaller tent within a children’s zone, or an indoor hall at a venue. The idea is to physically separate the storytelling area from the highest noise levels. For example, at large music festivals like Glastonbury (UK), the children’s area (Kidzfield) is placed at one end of the festival, creating a buffer from the main stages. Glastonbury’s Kidzfield – now three decades old (www.bbc.com) – even includes a storytelling tent that has been curated by seasoned storytellers for many years, giving families a peaceful oasis amid the rock ‘n’ roll.
Comfort is the next priority. Instead of rows of chairs, opt for soft seating that invites kids to plop down and get cozy. Think of rugs, floor cushions, beanbags, and low benches. If outdoors, ensure there’s ample shade – either natural shade or a canopy tent – so that children and parents aren’t squinting in bright sun or exposed to light rain during story time. A well-designed example comes from Camp Bestival in the UK, a renowned family-centric festival. They set up their literary storytelling sessions in the “Guardian Literary Institute” tent filled with pillows and small stools, creating a relaxed vibe. This comfortable setup matters: a child who can sprawl on a cushion in the shade is more likely to settle in and listen attentively, compared to one fidgeting on a hard chair in the sun.
Don’t forget about sound. While you want a quiet atmosphere, a gentle sound system can help the storyteller be heard without shouting. A small PA or even a portable speaker and microphone can amplify the storyteller’s voice just enough for a crowd of families, while still maintaining an intimate feeling. Do a soundcheck to ensure nearby noise won’t drown out the story – adjust speaker placement or volume accordingly. Some festivals hang fabric or banners around the storytelling area to act as a visual and sound dampening barrier. The goal is a hushed, cozy corner that draws kids in naturally.
Diverse Authors and Storytellers
A key to a vibrant storytelling stage is curating diverse authors and storytellers. Children’s audiences are wonderfully diverse in background, and festival story sessions should reflect and celebrate that. Invite storytellers from different cultures, races, and traditions to share their tales. Schedule a mix of local authors, indigenous storytellers, educators, and even parents who are great at reading aloud. Diversity also means variety in content – include folk tales, fairy tales, true historical stories, fantasy adventures, and bilingual stories if possible.
For instance, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival in Indonesia includes a children’s program where kids meet storytellers from across Indonesia and beyond, hearing stories in multiple languages. In Kenya, the Storymoja Festival (a literary festival aimed at popularizing reading) created a “Children’s Village” program featuring stories and activities in different age tracks (storymojahayfestival.com). They offered sessions not only in storytelling, but also in arts, science experiments, and even young author workshops – all geared for various age groups and cultural interests. By bringing in a broad range of storytellers and content, you ensure that every child in the audience can see themselves represented in the stories and also get exposed to new perspectives.
It’s also effective to feature well-known children’s authors or beloved storytellers as headline attractions. Many family festivals have booked famous children’s book authors for live readings and book signings – and seen family attendance soar as a result. Case study: At Bookaroo, a children’s literature festival in India, one edition featured an incredible lineup of 80+ speakers including authors, illustrators, and poets from around the world (kidsstoppress.com). While not every festival can invite dozens of authors, even one or two notable guest storytellers (such as an author of a popular kids’ series or a dynamic local storyteller known in the community) can be a big draw. Market these appearances in advance so parents know they can bring their child to meet a favourite author or discover a new one.
Another aspect of diversity is format. Mix up traditional sit-and-listen story readings with more interactive storytelling styles. Consider scheduling a puppet-based storytelling show for one session, a musical storytime (stories told with songs or instruments) for another, and perhaps a dramatic storytelling where kids can dress up or act out parts. Such variety keeps the storytelling stage exciting throughout the day and engages different learning styles.
Scheduling and Programming for All Ages
Thoughtful scheduling ensures your storytelling stage reaches its full potential. Plan story sessions at times when families are likely to welcome a break. Late morning and early afternoon slots often work well – for example, a story session around 11 AM (when kids might need a calm activity after a morning of excitement) and another in mid-afternoon when the sun and stimulation might be tiring everyone out. Avoid clashing storytime with the festival’s biggest loud events (like the headline band on main stage) if you expect families will be at those – unless your event is small and family-focused enough that storytime is the main event at that moment.
It can be smart to segment sessions by age group. A story hour for toddlers (ages 2-5) will look very different from a reading for tweens (ages 10-12). Tailor your schedule blocks, naming them clearly so parents can pick appropriate sessions. For example:
– Morning Story Time (ages 3-6): Simple picture book stories, finger puppets, lots of interaction.
– Afternoon Adventure Tales (ages 7-10): Longer storytelling from chapter books or folk tales with richer narratives.
– Teen Story Lounge (ages 11+): Perhaps a YA author reading from a novel or a spoken-word storytelling performance better suited for older kids and teenagers.
Mixing age groups is fine for many sessions (families often attend together with siblings of various ages), but having some targeted content ensures no one gets bored. You might even dedicate one or two slots to all-ages family storytelling, where the storyteller engages both kids and adults – comedic storytellers or captivating folk tales can work across generations.
Also, build in some buffer time between sessions. This gives each storyteller time to set up and ensures one session doesn’t bleed into the next. It also lets families come and go without feeling rushed. Many festivals stick to ~30 minute story sessions, with a 15-minute gap, which fits children’s attention spans. However, if you have a truly engaging performer or an interactive workshop format, 45-60 minutes could work for older kids. Keep an eye on the crowd’s energy and don’t be afraid to adjust on the fly – part of festival wisdom is reading the room (or tent) and keeping things flexible.
Accessibility and Inclusivity (ASL and More)
A storytelling stage should be welcoming to all children and parents. One highly recommended practice is providing sign language interpretation for story sessions whenever possible. If you’re in the U.S. or many international contexts, that means having an ASL interpreter signing alongside the storyteller; in the UK, a BSL interpreter; or local sign language experts if you’re in other countries. This inclusion ensures that deaf or hard-of-hearing attendees (and parents) can equally enjoy the stories. It also raises hearing children’s awareness of sign language in a positive way. A great example is the Cheltenham Literature Festival in England, which started offering British Sign Language interpreters at several events to make them more accessible (www.bbc.com). Similarly, some storytelling events incorporate sign directly into the performance – for instance, a “Sign and Rhyme” storytime where the storyteller teaches the audience a few signing vocabularies related to the story.
In addition to sign language, consider other accessibility measures: If your festival typically offers closed captioning on screens for stage performances, you could do the same for a storytelling session (especially if it’s on a bigger stage or streamed). Ensure the storytelling area is wheelchair/stroller accessible – e.g., have space for parents with strollers to park, and for wheelchair users or kids with mobility devices to comfortably join the circle. If you have children with sensory sensitivities attending, it can be thoughtful to create a small sensory-friendly zone adjacent to the storytelling area – perhaps some distance away where kids who need a quieter/calmer experience can still hear the story (maybe through a speaker or headphone feed) but not be right in the middle of the crowd. Providing a few fidget toys or cushions in that zone can also help neurodiverse kids stay engaged.
Lastly, train your storytellers and staff on inclusivity. Brief them to acknowledge and welcome kids of all abilities – for example, a storyteller can teach a simple sign to the whole audience (“Let’s all learn how to sign ‘thank you’!”) thus normalizing sign language use. Small gestures like this go a long way in making everyone feel included. If any child has specific needs or requires an accommodation, having a festival volunteer or staff member at the storytelling area who is knowledgeable about accessibility can ensure things go smoothly.
Literacy Trails: Interactive Reading Adventures
Beyond the stage, another dynamic way to promote reading at a festival is by setting up a literacy trail (or “story trail”). A literacy trail turns reading into an active exploration around the festival site. Typically, pages or excerpts from a children’s book are enlarged, illustrated, and posted at intervals along a path. Families walk from one sign to the next, following the story sequentially. By the end of the trail, children have essentially read a whole story in pieces, all while moving and enjoying the festival environment. This concept, often called a StoryWalk, has been used by libraries and literacy organizations worldwide to encourage outdoor reading.
At a festival, a literacy trail can be a set of signboards numbered 1 through 10, each with part of a tale and maybe a question or interactive prompt (“Can you roar like the dragon on this page?”). It’s an ideal activity for times when kids (and parents) might need a calmer break or something to do between scheduled events. For instance, a family walking from the food court back to the play area can detour through the story trail and spend 15 minutes reading together. In the UK, the National Literacy Trust set up summer story trails in various towns to support families reading during holidays, and found it a delightful way to combine outdoor fun with literacy (literacytrust.org.uk). Festivals can emulate this by partnering with authors or publishers to display specific stories.
Aside from book-page trails, consider other interactive literacy activities dotted around the venue:
– Scavenger hunts with a literary twist: e.g., children get a map with clues written as riddles or snippets of stories, leading them to different festival spots to collect letters or stamps. Completing the hunt could earn them a small prize or certificate.
– Word walls or poetry boards: Set up a chalkboard or whiteboard where kids can add a word or a sentence to create a collaborative story or poem throughout the day.
– Pop-up library corners: A few cozy nooks (beanbag and a bookshelf under an umbrella) scattered around, where kids or adults can sit and read quietly. Stock them with children’s books, comics, and maybe festival-related stories. These don’t need staffing – just a nice self-service calm spot. (You might be surprised how many teens will plop down to read manga or how many parents will enjoy a rest with a picture book for their toddler in the middle of a loud festival!)
Make sure to clearly signpost these literacy activities in your festival map and programme. Colorful signage like “Story Trail Start ->” will draw interest. Also, mention it on social media and your website beforehand: “Take a magical Story Trail through the festival grounds and discover a story as a family!” – this helps set expectations that your event has this unique feature.
Partnering with Libraries and Bookstores
One of the best moves a festival organizer can make to enhance storytelling and reading programs is to partner with local libraries and bookstores. Libraries, in particular, are natural allies – they have expertise in literacy programming, access to children’s books, and often, professional storytellers or children’s librarians who excel at storytime. By collaborating, both the festival and the library gain: the festival gets rich content and credibility, while the library reaches new audiences and potentially signs up new members.
Here are ways to partner effectively:
– Library Sign-ups on Site: Invite the local public library (or a mobile library bus) to have a presence at your festival’s family area. They can set up a booth to issue library cards, demonstrate kids’ e-book apps, or register families for upcoming library events. For example, at some community festivals in the US, libraries bring their bookmobile and have managed to sign up dozens of families for library cards over a weekend, extending the festival’s impact into ongoing reading habits.
– Summer Reading Programs: If your festival falls in the summer, tie into library summer reading challenges. A child could pick up a reading log or challenge sheet at the festival booth, and get stickers for attending the storytelling sessions. This cross-promotion benefits both the festival and the library’s literacy goals.
– Curated Reading Lists: Work with librarians or children’s book experts to create reading lists by age group to hand out. For instance, after a storytelling session, the staff can distribute a fun flyer: “Loved today’s stories? Here are more books you might enjoy!” with sections for Ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, etc. These lists can include the books that were read or promoted at the festival, plus similar recommendations. Not only do parents appreciate guidance on good books, it also gives them a tangible souvenir to take home that reinforces the festival’s educational value.
– Author Meet-and-Greets & Book Sales: Your library or a local children’s bookstore can help coordinate author signings after a story session. If you have authors present, plan a short meet-and-greet where kids can say hello or get a book signed. Make sure to have copies of the authors’ books available for purchase (or giveaway). A bookstore partner might run a small pop-up shop in the kids’ area, saving you the hassle of retail management while providing that service to attendees.
– Workshops and Education: Libraries might also run mini-workshops at your festival – like a 15-minute parent session on “How to make reading fun at home” or a craft activity related to a story. These add more layers to your literacy offerings.
When coordinating with external partners like libraries, communication is key. Align on the schedule, space needs, and mutual goals well in advance. Also, be sure to publicly acknowledge them – a shout-out in the festival brochure or on stage (“This literacy corner is brought to you by our friends at the City Library”) makes the partners feel valued and highlights to the audience that your festival cares about community collaboration.
Marketing Your Storytelling and Literacy Features
Having amazing storytelling and reading activities at your festival is one thing – but you also need to get the word out to attract families and ensure those opportunities are well-attended. Marketing these family-friendly features can significantly boost your festival’s appeal, as many parents actively look for events that offer something enriching for kids.
In promotional materials and online: highlight the storytelling stage as a major attraction. Use evocative language and images: for example, a photo of children enthralled by a storyteller, or a whimsical illustration of books and characters, to catch attention. Emphasize keywords like “family-friendly”, “kids’ activities”, “story time”, and “free with festival admission”. A festival that is not primarily aimed at families might create a separate web page or flyer just for “Kids & Family Programming” – make sure the storytelling sessions and literacy trail are featured prominently there with their own schedule.
Leverage social media to build excitement. You could do a short video interview with one of your storytellers or a popular author saying “Hey kids, I can’t wait to read you my new story at the festival this Saturday at 2 PM!” – share that on Facebook and Instagram where local parents will see it. If you have a unique element like a Story Trail, you might post a teaser image of one of the storyboards being prepared, captioned: “Something magical is coming to the park… our Story Trail is almost ready for little readers to explore at the festival!”. Such posts not only inform but create curiosity.
Don’t underestimate the power of community networks for marketing family content. Reach out to parent groups, schools, and of course libraries to spread the news. Many schools and childcare centers are happy to include a note in their newsletters about an upcoming community festival that offers educational fun. For example, if you’re scheduling authors for specific age ranges, let local teachers know – a 4th grade teacher might tell her class about the festival because a book they read in class is being featured by the author live.
Also, consider ticket promotions that encourage family attendance. For instance, some festivals allow children under a certain age in for free with an adult ticket (as Austin City Limits does – allowing two children under 8 per adult ticket) (austinmoms.com) (austinmoms.com). If your ticketing platform supports it, create family bundles or discounts, such as a “Family Day Pass” deal. Using a platform like Ticket Fairy can help manage these ticket types and promotional codes seamlessly, ensuring families find it easy to join your event. The easier and more affordable it is for families to attend, the more they’ll come and participate in your story sessions.
On-site at the festival, make sure to publicize the storytelling schedule. Use signage (a cute chalkboard at the entrance that says “Storytime Today: 11am, 1pm, 3pm at the Big Red Tent”), announcements from MCs on other stages (“Don’t forget, in 15 minutes the amazing storyteller ______ will be spinning tales in the Kids Zone!”), and volunteers roving with handbills if possible. Sometimes families simply aren’t aware something is happening unless it’s actively promoted on the ground.
By effectively marketing these features, you not only boost their attendance but also enhance your festival’s reputation. A parent who had a great experience watching their child sit mesmerized by a story will likely share that feedback with friends or on social media. Those word-of-mouth stories (“They even had an area where kids could just relax and listen to stories – it was wonderful!”) become powerful endorsements for your festival brand.
Budgeting and Resource Allocation
In the planning phase, allocate a portion of your budget for the storytelling and literacy components. The good news is, compared to big stages or carnival rides, storytelling areas can be relatively low-cost yet high-impact. However, there are still expenses to consider:
– Infrastructure: Tents, rugs, cushions, and sound equipment rental/purchase. You might decorate the space with banners, bunting, or stuffed animals to make it inviting. If you plan a Story Trail, printing large-format pages and laminating or mounting them on boards costs some money. Solicit quotes and perhaps see if a local print shop or library will sponsor these.
– Talent fees: Some storytellers and authors will charge fees or honorariums for their appearance – these can range widely based on their fame and travel needs. If you’re on a tight budget, look locally: teachers, librarians, or community theatre actors can be fantastic storytellers for a modest fee or even as volunteers. Up-and-coming authors might participate just for exposure and the chance to sell some books, especially if you cover their travel or provide hospitality. Always be clear about what you can offer – some festivals provide a small travel stipend, free festival passes, or hospitality (meals, accommodation) in lieu of large fees for literary guests.
– Books and Materials: Acquire copies of the books that will be read or featured. Often publishers will sponsor or donate some if you ask. If not, budget to buy a few copies of each storybook so the storyteller has one and maybe a spare for display. Also, craft materials if you add a craft activity after storytime (for example, coloring sheets or simple DIY bookmarks tying into the story theme).
– Staffing: Will you need to hire a children’s area coordinator or extra volunteers to manage the storytelling zone? It’s wise to have at least one staff or volunteer present during sessions to help with crowd control, assist the storyteller (showing pictures to back row, etc.), and handle any issues (a lost toddler, a technical issue with mic, etc.). Training volunteers for this role is important – choose people who are patient and enjoy kids. Budget for volunteer refreshments or small thank-you gifts if you can, to appreciate their effort.
Keep in mind that partnerships can defray some costs. A library providing storytellers might do so for free since it’s outreach for them. A local bookstore might sponsor the reading area in exchange for being able to sell books there. A company might underwrite the cost of the “Family Reading Lounge” and you can acknowledge them with a banner. These collaborations can stretch your budget while building community relationships.
It’s also valuable to budget for contingencies – for example, weather backup (if outdoor, maybe having a second indoor option if it rains, which could mean reserving a small hall or some waterproof coverings). If a star author cancels last-minute, have a backup plan (another storyteller or a well-prepared volunteer who can step in). While these don’t always require extra money, having a small cushion in the budget for emergency needs is part of risk management.
Risk Management and Safety Considerations
Any activity involving children requires a careful eye on safety and risk management. Festivals can be overwhelming places, so implement measures that keep kids safe and parents reassured in your storytelling and literacy areas.
First, physical safety in the story space: Ensure that your tent or seating area is secure – mats and rugs should be taped down to prevent tripping, any electrical cords from a microphone or speaker must be covered or out of pathways. Keep the area clean and free of sharp objects. If using any props or craft materials, they should be child-safe (non-toxic, no small choking hazards for the little ones). Have water available nearby or let people know where they can get drinks – sitting in a warm tent for half an hour can dehydrate kids quickly. If the storytelling is outdoors, provide sunscreen or shade and consider a few insect repellent sprays if bugs are an issue in your locale.
A crucial aspect is child security. Larger festivals often have a “tag-a-kid” system where children get wristbands or lanyards with the parent’s contact info. This is highly recommended if your event has thousands of attendees. For example, Austin City Limits festival runs a Tag-A-Kid program – parents register their children and get a wristband for them, which helps reunite lost kids with their guardians quickly (austinmoms.com) (austinmoms.com). Even at smaller festivals, it’s wise to have a plan: perhaps a sign-in at the story tent if parents are dropping kids off for a supervised story workshop (though generally, open story sessions are parent-accompanied). Make regular announcements like “Please keep children within sight and enjoy the stories together.”
All staff and volunteers involved with children’s programming should be vetted and briefed on child safeguarding. In many countries, there are legal requirements for background checks on anyone working closely with minors. Ensure these are done well ahead of time. Have clear procedures for situations like: a lost child (who to contact, where to bring the child), injuries or illness (where is first aid and how to summon medics quickly to the kids’ area), or disturbances (e.g., if an adult attendee is behaving inappropriately in the kids’ area, staff should be empowered to address it immediately). It’s helpful to designate a Kids Area Manager or “safety officer” who keeps an eye on these issues specifically.
Also consider crowd management in popular sessions. If a famous storyteller is performing and hundreds of people show up, you may need to cap the audience for comfort and safety inside the tent. Develop a polite system for this – perhaps giving out tickets for limited-entry sessions on a first-come basis, or having a few volunteers act as doorkeepers. Overcrowding a tent with little kids and strollers is not only uncomfortable but could be dangerous if everyone suddenly tries to exit. If possible, keep the sides of tents open for airflow and multiple exit points.
Finally, coordinate with your festival’s overall security and medical teams. Let them know the schedule of children’s activities, so they can pay extra attention to those times and zones. Lost children often wander to the most fun-looking place – having security staff know that the storytelling tent is a likely magnet can help them in searching. With thorough preparation, your storytelling and literacy features will be not just fun, but also safe and well-managed.
Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Many festival producers have shared wonderful success stories after incorporating storytelling and literacy into their events. Families often report that these ended up being their favourite parts of the festival. For example, after Camp Bestival added a robust literary program featuring over 50 authors and storytellers (including kids’ writers and poets) (www.festivalsforall.com), the response was overwhelmingly positive – parents loved that there were enriching options beyond music, and it became a hallmark of the festival’s identity. Similarly, at Austin City Limits, the introduction of the family-friendly “Austin Kiddie Limits” zone (with its story and quiet reading lounge) has made the festival far more accessible to parents, to the point that it’s become common to see noise-canceling earmuffs on toddlers dancing with their moms and then retreating to the book lounge for downtime (austinmoms.com). These stories show that investing in young audiences pays off in goodwill and broadened demographics.
However, seasoned organizers also have lessons learned from a few missteps:
– One festival attempted to run their storytelling sessions on a stage right next to the food court and found that blender noise and crowd chatter drowned out the stories. They quickly learned to relocate to a calmer spot the next year, proving the importance of site selection.
– Another event invited a great storyteller but forgot to promote the sessions in the program – unsurprisingly, only a handful of people showed up initially. After they improved on-site signage and schedule announcements, attendance multiplied. The takeaway: don’t let the storytelling stage be an afterthought in marketing or scheduling visibility.
– There have been instances where festivals didn’t consider shade or seating, expecting kids to stand for storytime – and the result was restless, uncomfortable little ones. Now most organizers ensure there are mats or hay bales at minimum for seating, and ideally tents or umbrellas for shade. Comfort truly affects engagement.
– On the flip side, a community festival in Australia shared that they over-scheduled the storytelling area (with nearly non-stop sessions all day), which ironically led to fatigue and smaller audiences by late afternoon. Their insight was to space out sessions and allow some unstructured time (like allowing kids to just quietly read or color) so that each story session felt special and well-attended rather than a continuous marathon.
By sharing both the wins and the setbacks, the veteran festival producer passes on wisdom: be intentional and empathetic when crafting these experiences. Understand the needs of children (short attention spans, need for comfort and security) and the hopes of parents (a fun, safe, enriching time for their kids). When you get it right, you create festival moments that parents will recall fondly and kids will treasure as a spark in their love for stories.
Key Takeaways
- Quiet, Comfortable Spaces: Set up storytelling stages in calm areas away from loud attractions. Provide plenty of cushions, mats, and shade to keep children comfortable and attentive.
- Diverse and Engaging Storytellers: Schedule a range of authors and storytellers from different backgrounds and cultures. Include interactive storytelling formats (music, puppets, etc.) to captivate various age groups.
- Inclusive Practices: Offer sign language interpretation (ASL/BSL) and ensure the area is accessible to all. Welcome children of all abilities and adapt sessions (sensory-friendly options, wheelchair access) so everyone can participate.
- Literacy Trails and Activities: Create story trails or similar reading-themed activities around the festival for families to explore at their own pace. These interactive experiences extend the joy of reading beyond the stage.
- Library Partnerships: Collaborate with libraries or educational organizations. Let them host library card sign-ups, reading challenges, or book giveaways on-site, and provide curated reading lists by age to continue the journey at home.
- Smart Scheduling: Time story sessions when families need a break, and consider separate sessions for different age brackets. Avoid competing with main events and allow buffer times between sessions.
- Marketing to Families: Promote your storytelling and kids’ literacy features prominently in marketing. Use social media, community outreach, and family ticket packages (with platforms like Ticket Fairy) to attract parents and caregivers.
- Budget and Resources: Allocate budget for tents, seating, sound, and any performer fees. Leverage sponsors or local talent to minimize costs. Always have backups for weather or cancellations.
- Safety First: Implement child safety measures (tagging kids, supervising staff, first-aid readiness) in the kids’ area. Train your team and plan for crowd control to ensure a secure, stress-free environment.
- Legacy of Calm and Creativity: Remember that these storytelling moments can become the heart and soul of a family’s festival experience. By creating pockets of calm and nurturing imagination, you’re not just managing an event – you’re fostering a love of stories and community that can last long after the festival ends.
25th August 2025