It Takes a Village

It Takes a Village is a mini festival exploring matrescence and the life-changing experience of becoming a parent.

For three joyful days in October, babies, toddlers and their families are invited to join us in Crosby Library to explore matrescence, motherhood, parenthood and all the new experiences that unfold when a new baby enters our lives. Hurly Burly Theatre Company return to the library for the premiere of their After Party Playlab, an interactive installation for babies and grown-ups to explore through live music, song, movement and play. 

As well as the Playlab, you'll find a programme including live music, shared reading, zine-making, somatic movement, aromatherapy and conversations celebrating the unexpected elements of motherhood. 

For new parents, old parents, grandparents, carers, friends and the community around them, the festival aims to illuminate the joyful, hardcore, exhausting, kick-off of care and the messy, gritty, mosh pit of motherhood. 

It Takes a Village to raise a child. Join us for three days celebrating everyone in that village. Everyone is welcome, and everything is free.

Find the full festival programme and book your free place here.

It Takes a Village is a phrase that speaks to the power of communal raising of children. This comes from African tribal communities, especially in West Africa, before it was adopted in Western culture.

Access

We want It Takes a Village to be as accessible and welcoming as possible to everyone, no matter what your background is and what your family set up might look like. 

Part of this has been creating a dedicated quiet space with the help of artist Kirsty Barlow. Installed as part of the festival, using fabric draping to create a secluded, chilled out area for everyone visiting. This gentle pocket in the library is a chance to reset, feed your baby or just have a moment to yourself. 

The library is proud to be a breastfeeding friendly space.

Baby-changing facilities are available.

There is level access to the ground floor with lift and stairs to first floor. There will be plenty of dedicated space for secure pushchair parking. 

It Takes A Village is supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, with additional support from Sports England and Youth Music.