More than 1,000 children from 28 Manchester schools joined author Michael Rosen for a lively celebration of poetry at Manchester Opera House.
More than 1,000 schoolchildren from across Manchester enjoyed a morning of laughter, storytelling and poetry when award-winning children's author Michael Rosen took to the stage at Manchester Opera House.
The special Poetry Party, held on Friday 6 November, brought together pupils from 28 schools to celebrate the enjoyment of reading, writing and performing poetry.
Organised by Read Manchester in partnership with Walker Books, the event featured performances of Rosen's much-loved poems, alongside appearances from two young poets.
The celebration also launched activities ahead of the third annual Michael Rosen Day on Thursday 12 November.
Stories, rhymes and plenty of laughter
Michael Rosen entertained the audience with an energetic mixture of stories, raps and rhymes, encouraging children to join in throughout the performance.
Among the highlights were poems from his Silly School Stuff collection, including the popular No Breathing in Class.
The event demonstrated how poetry can be funny, imaginative and engaging, particularly when experienced through live performance.
Organisers hope the experience will encourage children to explore books and develop confidence in their own reading and writing abilities.
Young poets share the spotlight
For the first time at the event, Rosen was joined by Young Poet Laureates Poppy and Annika.
Both performed poems they had written themselves, inspired by this year's Michael Rosen Day theme, Silly School Stuff.
Their appearances gave pupils an opportunity to see young people sharing their creativity on the same stage as one of Britain's best-known children's authors.
The performances highlighted how poetry can help children express their thoughts, develop confidence and discover their own creative voices.
Michael Rosen Day approaches
The event marked the beginning of celebrations for Michael Rosen Day, taking place nationally on 12 November.
Now in its third year, the initiative is led by Walker Books and encourages schools, libraries, bookshops and families to explore poetry together.
This year's Silly School Stuff theme invites children to find humour and inspiration in everyday school experiences.
The celebrations also coincide with the National Year of Reading, which is encouraging children and young people to discover the enjoyment that reading can bring.
Michael Rosen hopes to inspire a love of poetry
Speaking about the event, Michael Rosen said:
"Michael Rosen Day is all about encouraging children to enjoy, listen to, and share poems and stories."
He said he hoped the Manchester celebration would showcase the joy of poetry, encourage children to engage with books and, above all, have fun.
Manchester Council praises the initiative
Councillor Julie Reid, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, welcomed the opportunity for pupils to experience poetry performed live.
She said:
"Bringing hundreds of Manchester children together to experience poetry performed live is a wonderful way of showing that reading and writing can be exciting, imaginative and, most importantly, fun."
She added that Read Manchester aims to provide opportunities that inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Twenty-eight schools brought together
Grace Cameron, INSPIRE Producer at Manchester's Palace and Opera House, said the venues were passionate about introducing young people to the arts and live performance.
She welcomed the partnership with Manchester Libraries, which enabled children from 28 schools to attend.
Cameron also thanked the team behind Legally Blonde The Musical for supporting the event.
The Poetry Party provided an opportunity for children to experience literature beyond the classroom, combining performance, creativity and audience participation.
With Michael Rosen Day approaching, schools and families across the country are being encouraged to celebrate poetry and inspire the next generation of readers and writers.
Source: Manchester City Council, 6 November 2026.

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