Explore your city and discover new adventures through the power of stories and reading. The Salford Literacy Trail is a stunning collaboration between the National Literacy Trust and the Bupa Foundation to create 20 Book Bench sculptures in the heart of Salford. 

Running from July until September, these eye-catching, unmissable benches have been designed by local artists working together with Salford schools. Each one uniquely captures how children feel about the books and stories that have inspired them and helped them to get in touch with their emotions. It’s an opportunity for families to discover the joys and benefits of reading by exploring the trail and taking part in a programme of activities over 10 weeks in the summer. 

About Foundation 92 sponsored bench

Foundation 92 are sponsoring two of these unique benches to support literacy and wellbeing in the local area. One bench will be situated near Salford Shopping Precinct and has been created by Amanda Quellin in consultation with Holy Family Catholic School. The second bench will be located near Eccles Parish Church, a wonderful Salford landmark created by Vanessa Scott in consultation with St Mary’s RC Primary School. The BookBenches are being created with the help of Wild in Art, a specialist organisation behind many other successful trails, such as Bee in the City, Elmer’s Great North Parade, and Walking with The Snowman. 

Mike Leyland, Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Krome Technologies is sponsoring one BookBench for the Salford Literacy Trail. School closures in Salford and across the UK caused by COVID-19 disproportionately impacted children from disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result, the poverty attainment gap is expected to widen by as much as 75%, with disadvantaged children falling as far as 16 months behind their better-off peers.

The sponsorship provided by Krome Technologies is therefore hugely important and will provide vital funding for the National Literacy Trust to champion reading to local disadvantaged children. We hope that our programmes and this Literacy Trail will allow these children to discover the joy of books, which will help them succeed at school, get a better job, and look after their health and wellbeing.”

Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92 said:

“As a charity based in Salford, we are delighted to let you know about our Salford Literacy Trail in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and Bupa Foundation. On the 16th of July, 20 open book sculptures will bring the magic and excitement of reading to key locations across Salford. It’s a free and fun activity to entertain children, families, and the local community this summer and will raise vital funds for our work supporting disadvantaged children in the local area”.

Information about sponsoring a bench

There are still opportunities to sponsor a BookBench and support the initiative for raising literacy and wellbeing for the children of Salford. Sponsorship of a Salford Literacy Trail starts at £3500 +VAT. Please visit the National Literacy Trust website for more information or contact Grace Robinson, Head of Partnership Development, on 07849 353 733 or grace.robinson@literacytrust.org.uk.

https://www.salfordliteracytrail.org.uk/sponsors/