Wonder Arts, in partnership with St Helens Arts In Libraries, returns with its much-loved annual celebration of storytelling — and this year, StoryFest is bigger and better than ever. Running from 14–21 February, the festival brings a vibrant programme of family shows, BSL-interpreted performances, free workshops and activities, alongside much-loved Read & Rhyme Time sessions.
Driven by a belief that magical artistic experiences can truly change lives, Wonder Arts has welcomed more than 15,000 children, families and young people to its inspiring events over the past five years.
From imaginative theatre to interactive storytelling, here are some of the family-friendly highlights from StoryFest 2026.
Last Unicorn Airways, Newton-le-Willows Library (14 February)
Join two whimsical baggage handlers as they recreate a fantastical round-the-world adventure aboard the final flight of Last Unicorn Airways, opening suitcases brimming with trinkets, fine clothes, alluring smells and exciting tales.
Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless story, the show uses playful storytelling to remind us to see everyday life as an adventure and to cherish our world and each other. It’s a heartwarming reflection on courage, connection and resilience – perfect for families and children, including those with complex needs and disabilities.
After the show, step into a sensory immersive installation, offering a unique, interactive experience for every audience member.
A Square World, Moss Bank Library (16 February)
A Square World is a story of friends who enjoy the same routine day after day, each day is the same until an unexpected change is forced upon just one of them. This endearing and funny performance looks at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone else but yourself.
From the mind of Daryl Beeton, A Square World is an honest, touching and bizarrely quirky piece of theatre for young audiences. This non verbal story, set to an original commissioned soundtrack uses clean-cut simple design, object manipulation and elements of surprise to create an ever evolving and imaginative world. A place where we discover anything can happen once we think differently and rip up the rule book.
Brave Bettie, Chester Lane Library (17 February)
Written by Tatenda Naomi Matsvai (Hot Orange), Brave Bettie is a lyrical and magical woodland adventure, brought to life with poetry, songs, live music and stories that explore their home heritage in Zimbabwe. This playful yet powerful production looks at resilience, self-belief, social activism and the environment, offering an urgent message for young audiences.
Co-produced by Half Moon and Z-arts, this exciting partnership unites two of the UK’s leading children’s theatre companies to create an unforgettable experience for young audiences and families. Previous co-productions include award-winning productions of Dust and Grandad Anansi.
The Quest For Planet P, Newton-le-Willows Library (18 February)
The Quest for Planet P is a brand new, rhyming story presented by Knotted Hawk Productions. Follow Ozmo and Orbi, two brave little aliens, as they set off on an amazing journey to find the perfect planet! A heartfelt and inspiring story about fighting for the planet we love and showing how even the smallest voices can have a BIG impact.
Using projection, dance and storytelling, children interact with the performers throughout the show and take part in an engaging workshop exploring belonging, friendship and our world. This fun, interactive dance theatre show is perfect for children under 10 and their grown-ups.
Storytime with Mama G, Eccleston Library (19 February)
Mama G will be sharing original stories and songs, and some of the best picture books on the market, in an uplifting story time for the whole family. There’ll be dancing and giggles galore as Storytime with Mama G shares the power of being who you want and loving who you are!
Described as ‘Everyone’s favourite pantomime dame’ by Metro, Mama G has been telling stories since 2018. In that time she has been a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, performed her show Off-Broadway, and performed at libraries, festivals, prides, museums and theatres all over the UK. Her delightfully inspiring book ‘Oh Yes I Am!’ was published in 2024.
Make Some Noise, St Helens Library at World of Glass / Thatto Heath Library (20 February)
Noise can be gentle, quiet, loud, lots of fun and full of feelings. In Make Some Noise, Dommy B shares a surprising story about growing up, finding a brilliant, but naughty, imaginary friend, becoming ‘Junk the Punk’ and joining a great school band, Whizzkid and the Veggie Burgers!
There’ll be rhymes, jokes, and lots of opportunity to make some noise in a celebration of the power of sound and friendship. There are two showtimes and venues, 11am, St Helens Library at The World of Glass and 2pm, Thatto Heath Library.
The Wizard and the Mechanic, St Helens Library at The World of Glass (21 February)
An exciting adventure for families and brave young explorers, aged 5–10! Hold onto your hats and tighten those boots, it’s time for an epic, outdoor tale of magic, mayhem, and unlikely friendship. The Wizard and the Mechanic – where friendship is the greatest spell of all!
This joyful, high-energy show is bursting with: Audience participation (you’ll wear masks and become part of the story!), original, live music and singing, puppetry, clowning and glorious silliness plus big themes like facing your fears, sharing, and finding friendship in unexpected places. So grab your gear, gather your grown-ups, and get ready for a magical-mechanical adventure like no other…
