Children in Slough have been inspired by stories crossing different faiths and cultures.

Story Tent Slough, with the theme of ‘friendship’ is an initiative of Slough Faith Partnership in conjunction with Art Beyond Belief and St Mary’s Church in Church Street. It is supported by Slough Borough Council, Slough Children First, Slough Faiths Standing Together and the Diocese of Oxford.

Story Tent events ran at St Mary’s Church on 30 June and 2 July, where key stage 2 children from schools across Slough heard sacred stories from different traditions and world views about what it means to be a friend.

Five readers from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Muslim and Sikh faiths/world views attended each day, and more than 100 children enjoyed the sessions across the two days. Each child heard three stories and completed activities related to the story in the tent. They were encouraged to listen and question and to develop attitudes that ROC – that have Respect, Openness and Curiosity.

Dr Anne Moseley, who is the founder and creator of Story Tent, in partnership with the Rose Castle Foundation, led the first Story Tent Slough. She will also train local educators to lead similar events in the future.

Dr Moseley said: “By hearing stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, the children engage in genuine dialogue, helping to build communities of inquiry and equipping them to live well with difference.

“The event encourages understanding and friendship across different cultures and faiths through the medium of story.”

The schools who attended were St Mary's School, Grove Academy and the Islamic Shakhsiyah School. 

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for children and lifelong learning, said: “This was a wonderful event. Children heard the passion from the storytellers, and it helped them find the meaning in the stories and explore their thoughts, while engaging their imagination.

“I’m delighted the pilot of Story Tent Slough was a success and so many faith groups from our diverse town were involved I look forward to seeing more events like this in future.”

Story Tent Lead from Slough, Revd Scott Lamb said: "It was exciting to see so many different faith and community groups working together to deliver Story Tent to local children. The project showcased the religious and cultural resources we enjoy in Slough and the strong inter-faith relationships which are a feature of our town.

“We have seen that this model works in our context and so we hope that in the future many more children can have this wonderful opportunity."

The charity Art Beyond Belief enabled the young people who took part in the Story Tent Project to share their experiences through the creation of artworks with the help of sixth form pupils from Slough and Eton CofE Business and Enterprise College.

Volunteers from Slough Youth Parliament also supported during the two days.  

Find out more about the Story Tent initiative.