Theatre news: Children boss programme for Leicester Spark Festival



A group of youngsters aged from 8 to 13 have played a central role in shaping the programme for the 2026 Spark Festival for children in Leicester. The Mega Bosses of Spark, as they are known, have also shaped the overall feel and identity of the event which will run from Saturday 16 until Sunday 24 May. Schools, libraries, community spaces and venues across the city will become a “vibrant celebration” of the arts for young people, with performances, workshops and hands-on experiences. Trina Haldar, director of The Spark Arts for Children, said, “it’s been inspiring to see the Mega Bosses’ ideas come to life and it means the festival is truly led by children’s voices.” Their vision was that the festival should be “fun, not boring” and themes of peace, equity and play should highlight “the importance of creativity, inclusion and joy in young people’s lives”. The full programme can be found at the Spark Arts web site.