Staffordshire Libraries is bringing a family-friendly show called Footy Fairy Tales to Burton-on-Trent library this summer as part of a touring programme across the county. The show reimagines classic fairy tales with a football theme, featuring characters such as Cindy-Ella the young striker and Little Red Riding Hoodie. Each performance includes live music, songs, and interactive elements designed to inspire children and families to enjoy reading. The tour runs from 10 August to 19 August at five locations, including Burton, Tamworth, Newcastle, Cannock, and Stafford.
What to expect from the show
Footy Fairy Tales combines two interests children often enjoy: familiar stories and sport. The show takes well-known fairy tales and gives them a sporting twist, making them accessible and entertaining for young audiences. Live music and songs form part of the hour-long performance, while interactive elements encourage participation from children watching. The format is designed to make reading appealing to families during the summer holidays when many children are out of school.
Each performance lasts one hour, making it suitable for younger attention spans. The interactive nature of the show means children are not simply passive viewers but can engage directly with the content and characters on stage.
How to book tickets and pricing
Tickets cost £3 for the first child, 50p for each sibling, and adults and children under 3 years old are free. This pricing structure is designed to make the event affordable for families with multiple children. People can book directly through their local library. Burton-on-Trent residents interested in attending should contact Burton library directly to secure their place for one of the performances during the 10–19 August window.
Part of the National Year of Reading
The Footy Fairy Tales tour is part of the National Year of Reading and the Summer Reading Challenge, both national initiatives to encourage children to read during the school holidays. By combining entertainment with reading promotion, Staffordshire Libraries is supporting these wider campaigns while providing local families with a free or low-cost activity during the summer break.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a key part of how libraries across the country work to keep children engaged with reading when they are not in the classroom. The tour brings professional theatre and live performance to communities, making reading promotion more engaging than traditional library activities alone.
What this means for Burton-on-Trent families
For Burton-on-Trent residents, the tour offers a specific entertainment option during August half-term and the broader summer holidays. The low cost of tickets—particularly for additional siblings—makes it an accessible option for families on different budgets. The one-hour duration fits well into family schedules and holiday plans. Burton library is one of five locations chosen for the tour across Staffordshire, meaning residents have the show on their doorstep without needing to travel further afield.
Booking directly through the local library allows Burton residents to secure their tickets early and plan their summer activities with certainty. The interactive and music-based nature of the performance may appeal to children who enjoy drama, music, sports, or storytelling.
Residents interested in attending Footy Fairy Tales at Burton library during the 10–19 August tour period should contact their local library to book tickets as soon as possible, as places may be limited. Further information and booking details are available directly from Burton library.