MP joins Warden and the National Literacy Trust for children’s event in Gorton

Over 100 local children, many aged 0-5, came together at Gorton Public Realm, Manchester for a morning of storytelling in Gorton Hub and a scavenger hunt in Gorton Market.

On 31 October, children and families taking part in the free event searched the market for clues that revealed a Halloween-themed word and received a pumpkin to paint ahead of Halloween.

Families were then invited back to Gorton Hub to enjoy further creative activities and share stories. Every child could choose a free book of their own, based on their interests, to take home. Over 125 books were gifted to families on the day.

The event was planned and delivered in partnership by Warden and the National Literacy Trust, with support from the charity’s local volunteers. It forms part of the National Literacy Trust’s Early Words Matter campaign to boost children’s early language, literacy and communication development.

Hannah Spencer, MP for Gorton and Denton, also joined the activities to meet the team and witness the benefits of local organisations working together to create fun experiences in spaces families know and use to impact literacy outcomes.

Kirsty MacDonald, Head of Early Years at the National Literacy Trust, said: “We know how important it is to help families build their children’s communication skills and sharing books and stories in different ways is a great way to facilitate this. By working together with local partners in Gorton to deliver community events as part of our Early Words Matter campaign, we can create fun opportunities for families to share stories where they live, helping children develop the language and literacy skills they need to learn and thrive.”

The event builds on our connection with Gorton, where we delivered a new public square outside of the market for Manchester City Council.

Designed to host community events and provide a welcoming place for residents to meet, the scheme won the Delivering Value Award at the 2026 North West Regional Construction Awards, recognising the community benefits delivered alongside the construction work.

Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, said: “Helping to create Gorton Square gave us a connection with this community that we wanted to continue once the construction work ended. The places we build are designed to be well used and enjoyed, and we’re pleased to keep playing a part in helping that happen.

“Planning this event was a practical way to bring families together, support the market and, with the National Literacy Trust, make reading part of the fun. Thank you to Hannah Spencer and the local councillors for joining us and supporting the event. The children clearly enjoyed it.”

The event forms part of Warden Construction’s wider approach to social value under its ‘Building Something Greater’ ethos, supporting local communities through education, employment opportunities and practical help for community organisations. In Gorton, this has included construction-themed learning at St James’ Primary School, donations of tools and materials to Gorton Men’s Sheds, and careers support for local jobseekers.