A picture of young people enjoying The Great Imagining last year. (The Great Imagining & Tess Radcliffe)
Enjoying The Great Imagining last year. (The Great Imagining & Tess Radcliffe)

We are proud to partner with The Great Imagining to deliver a dynamic, creative and interactive learning programme for schools across the District.

Over the past few months, pupils have been engaging with sustainability-themed learning resources in the classroom. Next month, the programme will culminate in an exciting two-day showcase event at Burntwood Leisure Centre.

Taking place 4–5 July 2025, the event will bring together students, teachers and families for hands-on workshops, performances and creative projects exploring environmental themes. From gardening and food sustainability to filmmaking, games design and international storytelling, attendees will engage in a wide range of activities aimed at inspiring greener, fairer and more imaginative futures. The students will also have the chance to perform and present their work on The Great Imagining Stage.

The event will be open to the community on Saturday 5 July 11am – 5pm, with residents able to see the work produced by students and take part in workshops and learn more about sustainable lifestyles including cooking, gardening and more.

Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology and Climate Change said:

“We’re excited to support The Great Imagining in bringing this engaging and vital programme to young people across the district. It’s a powerful way to connect education, creativity and sustainability, and we hope it will inspire our next generation of environmental leaders.

“The community event on Saturday 5 July will be a fantastic opportunity for residents, families and communities to engage with and see the work our students have done, as well as take part in activities around sustainability in our District”

Deborah Curtis, Creative Director of The Great Imagining, said:

“We’re thrilled to be working with Lichfield District Council to launch The Great Imagining Staffordshire. This is about giving young people the space, tools and inspiration to imagine a better future and the confidence to create it. Through creativity, collaboration and curiosity, we can empower the next generation to make meaningful change in their communities and beyond.”

As part of the wider programme, The Great Imagining has also partnered with Lichfield Garrick Theatre to launch DOCATHON Staffordshire - a brand-new youth film festival on Wednesday 25 June. The event will welcome 150 pupils and their teachers to explore films made by young people from across the UK to imagine a more connected and compassionate world.

The programme reflects Lichfield District Council’s commitment to sustainability, learning, and community collaboration and highlights how creative approaches can help tackle the biggest challenges facing our planet.

More information about The Great Imagining community event is available online.

Published: 20 June 2025