Dave ‘Stickman’ Higgins

Dave draws on inspiration from his cultural background as a British Barbadian jazz drummer, percussionist, performance poet, actor and educator. Dave is a facilitator for expressing and celebrating musicality around the world in his unique way. As ‘Stickman’ he has made creative connections with all ages and abilities through dynamic delivery encompassing music, rhythm and vocalisation.

Rachel Scanlon

Rachel explores creativity through play, illusion and scale. Using sensory materials to engage the curiosity of children of all ages, her workshops are empowering and confidence building. 

Sian Watson Taylor

Sian specialises in running visual art and movement workshops that help find ways of broadening the learning experiences of children and families, working towards using imaginative re-thinking to gain a deeper understanding of how children learn from the spaces around them. Her work includes drawing, sculpture, installations, performance and sound. 

Karla Jones

I’m a Freelance Dance Artist based in the East Midlands and I love spreading the joy of movement to everyone I’m lucky enough to work with. I offer young children and their families chances to physically bond with each other through play, storytelling and creative movement. I’m so pleased to be able to work with The Spark Arts on the Small Wonders project and I can’t wait to bring dance to Leicester’s Libraries and Children Centres! 

Peter Wynne-Willson

I have done a lot of different kinds of drama with children – sometimes as an actor, sometimes as a writer, but in recent years my favourite work has been story-making with the youngest children, because of how open they are to the world of imagination.  I have the best job in the world, just playing alongside the best small story-makers, putting together the best new stories, pretending, singing, inventing, and acting out. 

Adele Cleaver

Adele is a multidiscplinary artist who is passionate about bringing people together through the power of play. She creates inclusive, hands-on opportunities where 0-99 year olds can play freely. From play streets to lunchtime nightclubs and pop up playgrounds using recycled materials Adele sees the potential for play everywhere and in everything. She is the author of “Children don’t dissolve in the rain: a story about parenthood and playwork” and her first zine “Free Play is OK” was published in 2024 . She is currently writing a series of books for preschoolers and their caregivers about play.