Edinburgh charities may be able to improve their financial resilience through smarter approaches to saving, despite ongoing pressure from rising costs and uncertain income streams, new research suggests.
A survey found that many charities hold substantial cash reserves, yet almost half lack confidence in their long-term financial stability. The findings point to a disconnect between balances held and the role those funds play in supporting sustainable operations.
While reserves remain a vital safety net, the research highlights an opportunity for charities to make their money work harder. By reviewing where cash is held and exploring more suitable savings options, charities could strengthen resilience without increasing risk or reducing accessibility.
The survey by Redwood Bank, MoneyComms’ Best Charity Savings Provider 2026, found that 69 per cent of UK charities hold over £50,000 in savings, with almost half (46 per cent) holding more than £100,000. When current accounts are included, 84 per cent hold more than £50,000 and 68.5 per cent hold over £100,000.
Despite these substantial balances, charities are under mounting pressure:
80 per cent reported rising day-to-day costs
73 per cent said they struggle to secure stable donations and funding
62 per cent have seen the value of donations decrease
Almost half (49 per cent) lack confidence in their long-term financial stability
One charity said: “We face increases in demand for our services at the same time as our donations are falling. That combination is unsustainable.”
The research also shows that while 81 per cent of charities review their savings at least annually, many still do not seek alternatives that could improve returns. Fewer than half (44 per cent) do not hold a savings account with a second provider, choosing instead to keep their money in a current account, with over a third of these charities citing lack of awareness of the options available.
The survey highlighted what matters most when choosing a savings account. Alongside competitive interest rates (85 per cent), charities value accessibility and withdrawal terms (72 per cent), bank reputation (60 per cent), digital ease (56 per cent) and ethical or social values (51 per cent).
The findings have prompted the specialist Bank to draft its first Redwood Research Report, How smarter saving can strengthen the UK charity sector, which sets out practical steps to help organisations make their reserves work harder.
Jessica Darrah, Senior Savings Product Manager at Redwood, said: “Charities are working tirelessly to support communities but are often doing so under financial strain and with limited options.
“Our research shows that while many have substantial reserves, these funds are not always working as hard as they could or should be. When every pound matters, smarter saving strategies could make a real difference to financial resilience.
“As a specialist business bank, we can provide personal service with consistently competitive savings rates. The Bank has been recognised as the Best Business Variable Rate Deposit Account Provider at the Moneyfacts Awards for seven consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to delivering value and clarity for customers.
“Unlike traditional high street banks, we can focus on understanding the specific needs of charities and smaller organisations. Our dedicated savings products and knowledgeable team aim to make saving simpler, more transparent and better suited to the realities of the sector.”
The Redwood Research Report can be downloaded here:
Edinburgh Leisure’s five-pool charity challenge supports local people facing barriers to being active
Sixty-one Edinburgh swimmers completed Edinburgh Leisure’s aquathlon-style Victorian Pool Crawl on Easter Monday, 6th April, walking 16km and swimming 5km across Edinburgh Leisure’s five historic Victorian pools, raising more than £40,000 for the Active Communities programme.
The challenge, sponsored by Landmarc Support Services, began at Dalry Swim Centre (est. 1895) before continuing through Warrender Swim Centre (est. 1887), Glenogle Swim Centre (est. 1899), and Leith Victoria Swim Centre (est. 1900), finishing at Portobello Swim Centre (est. 1901).
Edinburgh Leisure also hosted its Great Lengths exhibition, highlighting the history of the city’s Victorian pools and bathhouses.
The Victorian Pool Crawl was conceived in 2025 by a regular swimmer from Leith Victoria Swim Centre as a community fundraising challenge. After the inaugural event, the challenge became an official Edinburgh Leisure fundraiser, growing from 13 participants in 2025 to 61 this year.
Among the original 13-strong team was Marek Bernat, aged 49, who learned to swim at Dalry Swim Centre in 2019. Despite having found completing the final lane tough last year, it was also extremely rewarding. So much so that Marek and two of the original group returned this year with a new team of ‘Leith Victorians’ who collectively raised over £5,500.
A year ago, Landmarc employee Tamsin Gee wouldn’t have imagined taking on a half-marathon-distance challenge. By her own admission, she was “allergic to exercise”.
One year on, she celebrated completing this year’s event alongside colleagues and friends at Portobello Swim Centre—an achievement she described as huge. “It was a fantastic day, seamlessly organised and such fun to take part in,” she said.
Kevin Kneeshaw, Landmarc’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland said, “At Landmarc, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that make a real difference locally.
“The Victorian Pool Crawl not only celebrates Edinburgh’s heritage but also helps break down barriers to being active. It has been fantastic to be part of such a positive and impactful event.”
The event’s top fundraiser Frederick Phillips sees first-hand the impact this fundraising has for local people. He volunteers with Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project as a ‘Buddy Swimmer’, supporting older people to enjoy swimming which Frederick says, “transforms lives by supporting physical health, reducing isolation and opening up opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.”
Adam Shaffer, Events & Individual Giving Fundraiser at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This was a great event to organise, drawing on colleagues’ expertise and enthusiasm for getting people active.
“It was brilliant to see so many people turning out to cheer on the swimmers and support our charitable mission.”
Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Every pound raised helps remove financial, health and disability barriers that stop people getting active.
“We’re so grateful to our incredible participants whose efforts have raised over £40,000, and over the course of the day demonstrated how taking part in physical activity improves health, wellbeing and builds communities.”
All funds raised support Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure’s programme tackling inequalities and inactivity. Active Communities supports around 14,700 people a year, including people affected by health conditions, disability, poverty and other barriers to physical activity.
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With 75 sport, leisure and school venues across the city, it creates opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.
Donations to support the Victorian Pool Crawlers can still be made via JustGiving:
Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, Prime Minister Carney, President Dan, acting Prime Minister Frederiksen, Prime Minister Frostadóttir, Prime Minister Jetten, Prime Minister Kristersson, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Sanchez, Prime Minister Støre, President Stubb, Prime Minister Takaichi, President of the European Commission von der Leyen, President of the European Council Costa:
We welcome the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran today (Wednesday 8 April).
We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.
The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.
We strongly encourage quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement.
This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis.
We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners.
We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.
Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
A NEW dog adventure park with panoramic views towards Arthur’s Seat is preparing to open in East Edinburgh, marking its tenth location for one of Scotland’s fastest-growing canine leisure brands.
Set just off the A1 near Musselburgh, the brand-new two-acre dog park – known as Big Arthur’s Field – is the latest venture by award-winning operator Unleash The Dogs. The park will be its second to open in the capital following the successful launch of the West Edinburgh location last year.
Opening this Saturday, 11th April, final touches are being added in the coming days and bookings are expected to ramp up quickly.
To celebrate the opening, visiting dogs will be treated to complimentary puppuccinos during launch weekend, with owners also being treated to hot drinks and snacks, adding an extra touch of fun for pet owners booking the first sessions at the new site.
Craig Gammage, founder of Unleash The Dogs, said: “Opening our tenth park is a huge moment for us. When we started just over three years ago, the goal was simple, to create the very best places in Scotland for dogs to run free safely. To reach ten sites is a huge milestone for us and we’re really excited for the future.
“This site is something we’re really proud of. The setting is incredible. You’ve got that iconic Arthur’s Seat backdrop, but you’re only minutes from the city. It gives you that rural escape without the long drive.”
Big Arthur’s Field is the largest park in the company’s portfolio to date, spanning two acres and featuring a wide range of purpose-built obstacles and enrichment features suitable for dogs of all sizes and energy levels.
Each session is privately booked online, guaranteeing exclusive access for up to eight dogs at a time. The model has proven hugely popular with owners seeking a secure environment where their pets can exercise off-lead without the unpredictability of public parks.
The Edinburgh expansion builds on the success of the brand’s first capital site, which was voted number one in its region at the British Dog Field of the Year awards within just four weeks of opening, beating more than 60 competitors in a public vote.
Craig added: “Winning that award so soon after first launching in Edinburgh meant a lot. It showed that owners here recognise quality and appreciate the level of care we put into every site.
“There’s been a real buzz around this particular site too. People have been driving past, messaging us, asking when they can book. It’s brilliant to see that excitement.
“Ultimately, if dogs leave tired and happy and owners leave saying it was the best hour of their week, then we’ve done our job.”
For more information about Unleash the Dogs, the sites and how to book your slot visit www.unleashthedogs.co.uk
Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Edinburgh to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month, as more families feel the impact of rising costs when caring for pets.
With 86% of pet owners saying the cost of owning a pet has increased, local charities continue to see demand for support, including help with everyday essentials such as pet food.
The supermarket is calling on shoppers across Edinburgh to support their local communities by donating essential items in stores. Donations will be distributed to local charities and community groups through the supermarket’s long-standing partnership with Neighbourly.
Since partnering with Neighbourly in 2019, Aldi has donated the equivalent of more than 50 million meals to good causes across the UK, helping ensure surplus food reaches those who need it most while reducing food waste.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Pets are part of the family, but the cost-of-living conversation rarely acknowledges them, when in reality, increasing costs are putting extra pressure on the whole household budget, including everyday essentials – like pet food.
“By making it simple for customers to donate in-store, via our existing partnership with Neighbourly, we hope to support local communities and help ensure families can continue to care for their much-loved pets.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly, said:“Demand for support remains high for all daily household essentials.
“Aldi’s continued commitment – alongside the generosity of its customers – plays a vital role in supporting local charities and the communities they serve.”
Shoppers can donate pet food and everyday essentials at Aldi’s in-store community donation points, where items are distributed to local charities and community groups through its partnership with Neighbourly. Donation points are available in stores nationwide throughout the year, making it easy for customers to support their local communities whenever they shop.
Supporting communities is a core part of Aldi’s approach, with a range of initiatives in place to help ensure surplus food reaches those who need it most.
Following a successful pilot across three Regional Distribution Centres, the supermarket will provide a further 1.2 million meals to families in need this year through its partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing, as the initiative rolls out nationwide.
Aldi also works with Company Shop Group to redistribute surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres, helping to ensure that products which cannot be sold in stores are still put to good use.
ACCESS to professional ear care health in Edinburgh has received a significant boost following the success of five colleagues completing rigorous clinical training.
The team at Specsavers Morningside and Cameron Toll stores are celebrating as five colleagues, Gillian Hudson, Isla Dowell, Jamie Raes, Samuel Jeffries and Larissa Barclay have gained their Audiology Clinical Assistant (ACS) qualification.
This milestone transforms the customer’s experience, allowing the newly qualified assistants to perform clinical tasks such as otoscopy and professional triage on the spot.
The achievement highlights Specsavers’ commitment to ‘growing its own’ talent, taking staff members from diverse professional backgrounds and providing a career ladder in healthcare.
Jonathan Bell, audiology director at Specsavers Cameron Toll, says: ‘Having multiple ACS-qualified staff members is a total gamechanger for our stores. We now have specialist cover seven days a week at Cameron Toll and six days at our Morningside store.
“It empowers my team, reduces appointment bottlenecks, and ensures our senior audiologists can dedicate their time to customers with the most complex hearing needs. It proves that we don’t just provide hearing devices; we provide expert clinical care.’
For the local community, the qualification means immediate peace of mind. Patients who may have previously faced long waits for GP appointments can now walk into the stores for an instant hearing check. The ACS team can identify wax blockages or hearing concerns immediately, ensuring customers are placed on the correct clinical pathway from their very first interaction.
The newly qualified team adds: ‘Achieving this qualification is a proud moment for us. It represents more than a certificate; it’s a shows that Specsavers is invested in our long-term progression.
“Previously, we had to rely on busy audiologists to check for abnormalities, which often meant the customer had to wait. Now, we can look in their ears on the spot and provide personal and immediate care. It’s an exciting first step toward more advanced clinical roles.’
The transition from support roles to clinical professionals was supported by mentorship from the stores’ senior audiologists. Despite the challenge of balancing formal study with daily roles, the team notes that the discipline has prepared them for the high level of responsibility required in modern healthcare.
To book a hearing assessment, you can visit Jonathan and his team at:
First eight ‘Young Futures Hubs’ opening in Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, County Durham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Tower Hamlets
Part of the National Youth Strategy, a network of 50 Hubs will provide joined-up services across mental health and wellbeing, employment and crime prevention
Next week the Government will launch its plan to halve knife crime within a decade to save lives, transform the futures of young people and protect communities across the country
Young people in eight locations across England are to benefit from the first ‘Young Futures Hubs’ opened by the Government. The hubs, targeted in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour and knife crime, will:
Transform the lives of young people, cut crime and protect communities
Divert them away from knife crime and anti-social behaviour
Provide them with services and advice to combat social isolation, mental health and unemployment
Give access to safe, trusted adults
Under the government’s National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, the first eight of 50 Young Futures Hubs have opened or will shortly open in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Durham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Tower Hamlets.
Hubs will build on existing services, and create safe, welcoming spaces bringing a range of local support services under one roof. Young people aged 10-18 (and up to 25 for those with SEND) will have access to trusted adults who will provide wellbeing support, careers guidance, and positive activities like sport, arts and volunteering.
The government is committed to ensuring that success for young people is not determined by their background, and the hubs will also offer support for vulnerable children. These activities help divert young people away from knife crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as combat social isolation and mental health, and increase access to job opportunities for young people.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The closure of over a thousand youth centres since 2010 didn’t just take away facilities, it took away community, connection and opportunity for a generation. We are determined to rebuild that.
“These hubs are about more than bricks and mortar, they’re a statement that this government believes in young people and is investing in their futures. What makes them different is that we’re joining things up – wellbeing support, crime prevention, work coaches, youth services, all in one place.
“We’re making sure teenagers have somewhere to go, someone to talk to, and a real chance to thrive.”
This comes as the UK Government launches its plan to halve knife crime within a decade. Titled “Protecting Lives, Building Hope”, it will save lives, transform the futures of young people and protect communities across the country.
The Government will support young people so they get the best start in life, stop those at risk from turning to knife crime and police our streets to catch and punish perpetrators.
In some areas, the Hubs will work with new multi-agency Young Futures Panels, to ensure children at risk of knife crime are provided with the support they need. The panels bring together the police, children’s services, schools, and community organisations to identify vulnerable children early, spot risks that may otherwise go unnoticed, and ensure they are quickly referred into the right support before issues escalate.
Sarah Jones, Policing Minister, said: “Knife crime devastates lives. Behind every statistic is a child who didn’t make it home, a family whose world has been shattered, and a community left with fear.
“This Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities. We will roll out Young Futures Hubs in crime hotspots across the country to divert young people from violence, cut crime and protect communities.”
The Prime Minister has spoken of how young people have become “collateral damage” over the past decade, prompting the launch of the National Youth Strategy – the first in 15 years. The ambitious 10-year plan to rebuild youth services is backed by over £500 million of investment, and was designed in collaboration with more than 14,000 young people across England.
£70 million will be invested to establish 50 Young Futures Hubs and transform local youth services, rebuilding Local Authority capability after a decade of declining investment, with spending falling by 73% since 2010. As a result, many young people have been left without access to safe, supportive environments or a community to belong to, while reliance on online interaction has grown in the absence of face-to-face opportunities.
Minister for Youth and Civil Society Stephanie Peacock said: “When this Government developed the National Youth Strategy, we listened to over 14,000 young people from across the country.
“What came through clearly was that they wanted somewhere to go, something to do, and someone who cares. Young Futures Hubs are part our response to this and we are delighted to see the first eight up and running.
“Hubs are places where young people can belong, with trusted adults and positive activities all under one roof. Keeping young people safe and away from crime starts with making sure they have the right support around them, and that’s exactly what these hubs deliver.”
The Young Futures Hubs programme has been designed to respond directly to these challenges by creating welcoming, youth-led spaces where young people can enjoy real-life connections, with somewhere to go, something to do, and someone who cares for them.
From the Barca Leeds in Bramley to the Full Circle Docklands in Bristol, each hub has been co-designed with young people themselves, ensuring the atmosphere and activities reflect their true needs and passions.
The eight Young Futures Hubs have opened or will shortly open in the following locations:
Manchester: Young Futures Hub (YF Hub) network based across Moss Side Millenium Powerhouse (Moss Side), Manchester Youth Zone (Harpurhey), and Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre (Wythenshawe), with further outreach planned in six smaller neighbourhood hubs across the city.
Birmingham: YF Hub to open in temporary location at Library of Birmingham before moving to permanent Cannon Street site from summer 2026.
Brighton and Hove: Main YF Hub based at 67 Centre, with linked sites in central locations at Brighton Youth Centre, Tarner and Impact Initiatives, as well as in Hangleton and Knoll. Further offers in the east of the city are under development.
County Durham: YF Hub based at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.
Bristol: Main YF Hub based at Full Circle Docklands, with enhanced provision and a connected network across five venues in Ashley, Central and Lawrence Hill wards, connecting the Hub with additional outreach in the community and schools.
Tower Hamlets: YF Hub based at Haileybury Youth Centre in the central St Dunstan’s ward.
Leeds: Main YF Hub based at Barca Leeds in Bramley, with additional ‘spokes’ sites at LS-TEN in south Leeds and Imagination Station in east Leeds.
Nottingham: Main YF hub based at Beaumont Street Community Centre with plans to work with partners to provide services for all children and young people to access across the City.
More information on specific provision at each site is available on request.
Join us on 12th April at our Community Hub in the heart of Stockbridge for our Spring Fair! Come along for a relaxed wander around a fantastic array of stalls, featuring delicious home baking, as well as treats from Chulos Cookies, Söderberg and The Pastry Section.
There’ll be fun for all ages, including games, a big prize raffle, and an exciting children’s drawing competition to design our Summer BBQ poster!
Join us in welcoming spring with a fun-filled family day out — all while supporting our charity.
Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and ScottishPower Foundation, whose generous funding has enabled us to make this event happen.
Join us on 12th April at our Community Hub in the heart of Stockbridge for our Spring Fair! Come along for a relaxed wander around a fantastic array of stalls, featuring delicious home baking, as well as treats from Chulos Cookies, Söderberg and The Pastry Section.
There’ll be fun for all ages, including games, a big prize raffle, and an exciting children’s drawing competition to design our Summer BBQ poster!
Join us in welcoming spring with a fun-filled family day out — all while supporting our charity.
We’re excited to reveal the official booklist for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 – Read to the Beat! – along with this year’s incredible illustrations by Harry Woodgate.
This year’s collection features 55 amazing titles for all reading levels, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels (plus dyslexia-friendly options). From rap and K-pop to orchestras and opera, there’s a whole world of music-inspired stories waiting to be discovered.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026, delivered in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK, is almost here! Launching in June in Scotland and July in England and Wales, the Challenge invites children to embark on an exciting reading journey, either through their local library or online. This year’s theme, Read to the Beat!, celebrates the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading. This year’s Challenge is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator, Harry Woodgate.
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge collection features 55 captivating titles for different reading levels, spanning early readers, and middle grade titles, as well as dyslexia-friendly titles. With a rich mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, the collection has been carefully curated to get young readers tapping their feet and turning pages. The books will be available to borrow for free from public libraries.
The Challenge is supported by publishers from across the UK and the official list includes titles such as Marching Band by Kael Tudor, Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae, Kofi and the Brand New Vibe by Jeffrey Boakye, The Adventures of Rap Kid by MC Grammar, and Glory Days in New Orleans! by Bïa.
Libraries and schools can order this year’s books through their usual suppliers, with eBook and audiobook versions available for select titles.
Every year, the Summer Reading Challenge plays a vital role in keeping children excited about books. This year’s collection is particularly special as it celebrates the universal language of music – from drumming and dancing to orchestras, opera, rap, K-pop and everything in between. We are proud to work with libraries and publishers to bring these fantastic books to children across the UK.
Please note these titles have been broadly divided into age categories for the Summer Reading Challenge Book Collection but you can find more specific age ratings, including any relevant content warnings, on publisher websites to ensure a title is suitable for your child.
Read to the Beat! 2026 Book Collection
For younger readers (ages 4–7)
The Very Noisy House – Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Gosia Herba (Andersen Press)
Music of the Mountains – Sabrina Shah, illustrated by Manal Mirza (Barefoot Books)
The Missing Piece – Jordan Stephens, illustrated by Beth Suzanna (Bloomsbury)
Busy Little Fingers: Music – Eva Wong Nava, illustrated by Eleonora Marton (Bonnier Books – Big Picture Press)
Some Bears – Christian Foley, illustrated by Rob Turner (Caboodle Books)
Tree Whispers – Mandy Ross, illustrated by Juliana Oakley (Child’s Play)
My Little Drummer – Sian Radford, illustrated by Gwen Millward (Farshore)
Bhangra Boogie – Hena Khan, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat (Farshore)
1, 2, 3, Do the Unicorn – Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw (Farshore)
ABC of Opera: Romantic – Mark Llewelyn Evans, illustrated by Karl Davies (Graffeg)
Listening to the Quiet – Cassie Silva, illustrated by Frances Ives (Lantana)
The Life-Changing Magic of Drumming – Nandi Bushell, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier (Magic Cat Publishing)
The Elephant and the Piano – Colette Hiller, illustrated by Nabila Adani (Magic Cat Publishing)
Songs in the Shade of the Cherry Tree – Nathalie Soussana, illustrated by QU Lan (The Secret Mountain)
The Piano – Joaquin Camp (The Secret Mountain)
The Rock Family Band – Robert Tregoning, illustrated by Laura Brenlla (Oxford University Press)
The Twirly Wiggly Dance – Farrah Riaz, illustrated by Navya Raju (Oxford University Press)
Little Sheku and the Animal Orchestra – Sheku Kanneh-Mason, illustrated by Rekha Salin (Penguin)
The Wonder – Tom Percival (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books)
But Dancing is for Girls! – Gyasi Sheppy, illustrated by Ola Snimshchikova (Sweet Cherry)
All the Wonderful Ways to Move – Laura Baker, illustrated by Sandra de la Prada (Little Tiger)
Doggy Dance Off – Steve Smallman, illustrated by Robert Starling (Little Tiger)
Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae, illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara (Fox & Ink Books)
The Big Time Boogie-Woogie Animal Band – Giles Andreae, illustrated by Nick East (Hachette Orchard Books)
The Paper Piano – Rachel Ip, illustrated by Natelle Quek (Hodder Children’s Books)
For older readers (ages 8–11)
I Tell Myself I’m Awesome – Joshua Seigal, illustrated by Chris Piascik (Bloomsbury Education)
Raising the Roof – Jack Pepper, illustrated by Michele Bruttomesso (Bonnier Books – Templar Books)
Girl on the Fly – Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl (David Fickling Books)
Be More Olivia Rodrigo (DK)
Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music (DK – Rebel Girls)
The Color of Sound – Emily Barth Isler (Carolrhoda Books)
Hari Kumar: Ultimate Superstar – Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Mamta Singh (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Melody Queen – Puneet Bhandal (Lantana)
Glory Days in New Orleans! – Bïa, illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume (The Secret Mountain)
Gordon Starts a Band – Alex Latimer (Oxford University Press)
Isadora Moon and the Pop Stars – Harriet Muncaster (Oxford University Press)
Space Band – Tom Fletcher (Puffin)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde – Jeff Kinney (Puffin)
Lil’ Muffin Drops the Mic – Romesh Ranganathan, illustrated by James Lancett (Puffin)
Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens – Sophy Henn (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books)
The Adventures of Rap Kid – MC Grammar (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books)
The Magic Piano: Dahlia and the Land Without Music – James B Partridge, illustrated by Laura Wood (Sweet Cherry)
Skylar and the K-Pop Head Teacher – Luan Goldie (Walker Books)
You VS the Poison Plot – Josh Hicks (Walker Books)
My School Musical and Other Punishments – Catherine Wilkins, illustrated by Katie Abey (Nosy Crow)
Running My Own Race – Abena Eyeson (Nosy Crow)
Hunt for the Golden Scarab – M. G. Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Sumberac (Macmillan Children’s Books)
The Piano at the Station – Helen Rutter, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli (Barrington Stoke)
Kofi and the Brand New Vibe – Jeffrey Boakye (Faber)
How to Build an Orchestra – Mary Auld, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli (Hachette Wayland)
Find out more about the Challenge by visiting the official Summer Reading Challenge website for competitions, book recommendations, and activities throughout the year.
The Read to the Beat! Summer Reading Challenge launches on Saturday 20 June 2026 in Scotland and online, and on Saturday 4 July 2026 in England and Wales. Children can sign up at their local library to join the adventure and discover how music and stories make the world come alive.
LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JB
10:30am – 1:30pm
Launch dates:
