Celebrating the National Year of Reading at Turner Sims
2026 is the National Year of Reading, a UK-wide initiative led by the Department for Education and supported by national partners across the country. Its mission is simple and powerful: to inspire people of all ages to (re)discover the joy of reading and make it part of everyday life.
At Turner Sims, we know that stories don’t just live on the page. They live in sound, imagination and shared experience. That’s why this year, three of our family performances are inspired by beloved children’s books, bringing words, pictures and music together in magical new ways.
We’re delighted to be launching a new partnership with October Books, our much-loved neighbourhood bookshop, who will be selling children’s books at each of these event, with families able to enjoy the show and take the story home.
Ruby’s Worry / Saturday 28 February
Based on ’Ruby’s Worry’ by Tom Percival (Bloomsbury), this gentle and beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Ruby, who discovers a worry that follows her around like a coloured cloud. The more she tries to ignore it, the bigger it grows, until she meets a boy with a worry too. When they begin to share, their worries start to shrink.
It’s a sensitive, reassuring story about anxiety, friendship and the power of talking.
The performance is created by MishMash Productions, specialists in high-quality classical music shows for young children and familiar faces at Turner Sims. Through live music, song and storytelling, ’Ruby’s Worry’ becomes an immersive musical adventure for children aged 3-7 and their families.
Strange Creatures / Friday 16 October (schools) & Saturday 17 October (families)
Inspired by Beegu by Alexis Deacon (Penguin Random House Children’s UK), ’Strange Creatures’ tells the story of a small alien who lands on Earth, alone and lost. She tries to find somewhere she belongs. She tries to make friends. Eventually, she finds her way home.
It’s a touching story about difference, belonging and kindness.
Once again presented by MishMash Productions, this production blends live classical music and storytelling in a way that is playful, moving and deeply engaging.
We’re particularly proud that this performance includes two dedicated schools’ concerts on the Friday. Last year alone, we welcomed 935 children from Southampton and Hampshire schools to free performances at Turner Sims, part of our commitment to ensuring that every child can experience live music, whatever their background.
The Big Dreaming / Sunday 13 December
Winter brings ’The Big Dreaming’, based on the picture book by Michael Rosen with illustrations by award-winning artist Daniel Egnéus, and published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.
Little Bear is getting ready for the ‘big sleep’, but what if he runs out of dreams? To prepare, he gathers dreams from his friends: Squirrel, Rabbit and Wolf. It’s a warm, comforting tale perfect for the festive season.
Presented by Concerteenies – who delighted audiences here in December 2025 with ’Blown Away’ – this performance combines narrator, pianist and animated projections of the book’s illustrations to create a magical, cosy concert experience for little ones.
Reading and music share something powerful: they help children make sense of the world. They build empathy; they nurture imagination; they create shared moments between families that linger long after the final page is turned or the last note fades.
As the National Year of Reading invites families across the UK to rediscover the joy of books, we’re proud to be turning three beautiful stories into live musical experiences right here in Southampton. We can’t wait to welcome you.
