How to host a magical Night-time Story Walk at your school
World Story Night is a wonderful chance for schools to celebrate the joy of stories and help children experience reading as something shared, special and full of possibility. One meaningful way to mark the occasion is by hosting a Night-time Story Walk – a relaxed, family-friendly event that brings your school community together through a shared love of storytelling.
At Bookmark, we’ve seen how powerful these moments can be in building children’s confidence and enjoyment of reading. Nelson Mandela Primary School, for example, welcomed over 120 children and family members to their Night-time Story Walk, creating a warm, memorable experience for everyone involved.
Our Night-time Story Walk is designed for Key Stage 2 – with our Bedtime Stories event being the perfect option for Key Stage 1. If you’re planning your own version of either of these events, here are some simple ideas to help you get started.
Keep it simple, welcoming and joyful
A Night-time Story Walk or Bedtime Stories event doesn’t need to be complicated to have a lasting impact. What matters most is creating a space where families can enjoy stories together.
- Choose a time that works for your families – after school is often ideal
- Decide whether your event will be indoors, outdoors, or both – and always have a back-up plan!
- Focus on reading for pleasure, rather than performance or attainment – we want to spread the joy of reading
- Invite the whole school or select year groups – Key Stage 2 is ideal for Night‑time Story Walks, where our Bedtime Stories event is perfect for Key Stage 1
Nelson Mandela Primary originally planned an outdoor event but adapted to indoor spaces on the night. Their flexibility showed that it’s the shared experience that matters most.
Create cosy, inviting spaces
A calm, welcoming environment helps families relax and enjoy reading together.
- Use soft lighting such as fairy lights or LED candles
- Set up simple “story stations” with comfortable seating
- Display children’s artwork, book recommendations or favourite reads
- Think about how families will move through the space at a gentle pace
At Nelson Mandela Primary, classrooms were transformed into cosy reading spaces that made families feel at ease straight away.
Bring stories to life
Each story station is an opportunity to share the joy of reading aloud.
- Choose engaging, high-quality texts that spark imagination
- Read with expression and enthusiasm
- Invite children to join in with repeated phrases or predictions
- Include light, creative activities like drawing, role-play or sound effects
Families at Nelson Mandela Primary really enjoyed taking part in these moments together, showing children that reading can be fun and interactive.
Help families feel confident
A key part of the event is helping families feel comfortable reading together.
- Reassure parents that there’s no “right” way to read
- Keep the atmosphere informal and pressure-free
- Encourage conversation about books and interests
- Offer simple prompts to support shared reading
When families feel confident, they’re more likely to continue reading together at home.
We were amazed by the positive take-up, approximately 120 adults and children came to the event. Adults enjoyed taking part in the sketching activities as much as their children and everybody was really positive about the evening as they left. Many thanks for the suggestion - it was a big success.
Build excitement ahead of time
Creating a sense of anticipation can make a big difference.
- Send invitations home and share them in class
- Create a simple countdown display
- Involve pupils in designing posters
- Share book previews in newsletters or online
Small touches like bookmarks or warm drinks can also help make the event feel special.
Add thoughtful finishing touches
It’s often the little details that stay with families.
- Offer simple refreshments like hot chocolate or biscuits
- Share bookmarks or tips for reading at home
- Invite families to reflect on their favourite moments
- Encourage children to borrow books or visit their local library
These small steps can help keep the reading journey going beyond the event.
A simple way to build a love of reading
Nelson Mandela Primary School’s Night-time Story Walk showed just how impactful these events can be. By bringing families together around stories, they created a positive, shared experience that encouraged reading beyond the school gates.
By focusing on warmth, connection and enjoyment, your Night-time Story Walk or Bedtime Stories event can help children see reading as something they can truly love – at school and at home.
