Latest News
Thousands take part in The Spark Festival 2022
Posted: Fri, 25 Feb 2022 09:27
"I can't wait to clap in the same room as my friends" this was a comment from school children in Leicester ahead of The Spark Festival. Read More »
Children takeover the city for free weekend of family fun
Posted: Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:10
Leicester will be transformed into the biggest children's playground this February when The Spark Festival takes over the city for a free weekend of family fun. Read More »
Aakash Odedra to premier all new show for children at Leicester’s Spark Festival ahead of UK tour
Posted: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:22
Aakash Odedra BEM, recognised as one of the most talented British South Asian choreographers and dancers, will premier his newest show in his hometown of Leicester as part of The Spark Festival.
Little Murmur is Odedra's latest work, aimed at children ages 7+ and based on the true story of his own struggle with letters and words after his diagnosis with dyslexia at a young age. Read More »
Immersive creative moments that make children go “wow”
Posted: Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:43
The Spark Arts for Children are working with Leicester City Council for a second year to deliver 'Small Wonders'. Through storytelling, music and creative play Small Wonders provides extraordinary creative experiences for 0-7 year olds and their parents and carers. Read More »
The best children’s arts festival in the world
Posted: Wed, 24 Nov 2021 11:40
Leicester is the home to so many extraordinary things. A Pork Pie library, world renowned sports teams and food, stunning countryside, a multi-cultured city, medical breakthroughs - the list goes on. Leicester is far from ordinary. In most areas you will find out something extraordinary. The Spark Festival will take place in Leicester from 7-13 February 2022, live and online for seven days. Children and families can take part in schools, libraries, their homes, their communities and in well-known venues across the city. Read More »
Aakash Odedra Company and The Spark Arts for Children come together with the British Dyslexia Association to create a new work for young audiences
Posted: Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:00
We are proud to announce our collaboration with Aakash Odedra Company in the creation of a new work for children and their families. Little Murmur is based on the true story of a child's struggle with letters and words. Read More »
Adel Al-Salloum will leave The Spark after nearly a decade
Posted: Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:36
After nine festivals and nearly a decade Adel Al-Salloum will be leaving The Spark on 29 October to take up a new post at UNBOXED2022. Adel was appointed as Director of The Spark Arts for Children in January 2012. Read More »
The Fun Café: a positive impact on Leicester's high street and city centre
Posted: Fri, 24 Sep 2021 09:53
This summer we worked in partnership with the City Council and Highcross Management to produce a Fun Café.
We have created a report to provide an overview of our reach and impact. This report is a two-minute read.
We're delighted that the Fun Café benefitted hundreds of families and the high street/city centre of Leicester.
Helping to shine the spotlight
Posted: Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:09
Kim Salt has joined The Spark Arts for Children as communications manager. Her main role will be to promote the annual festival and showcase the extraordinary work delivered week in, week out by the talented team and partners. Read More »
Festival Directors finding the extraordinary in the ordinary
Posted: Mon, 21 Jun 2021 09:30
Trina Haldar and Daryl Beeton begin preparations for The Spark Festival 2022.
The Spark Festival will be back in February 2022 bringing a simple curiosity to discovering who we are and a chance to find joy in truly being ourselves after a year of global turmoil.
The Festival will offer a blend of live and digital performances to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience them. It will include a programme of dance, theatre and music which invites children to reflect on themselves and others and provide much needed shared creative and cultural experiences for all. Read More »
