Connected by Purpose: A Celebration of Collaboration at The Reading Doctor Festival 2025
- Deborah Salsbury The Reading Doctor
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
On 8th May 2025, something magical happened at The Genting Hotel in Birmingham.
Over 30 Reading Doctors from across the UK gathered for a day of connection, inspiration, laughter, and a few joyful tears, as we celebrated our annual Reading Doctor Festival.
This year’s theme, “Connected by Purpose: A Celebration of Collaboration,” couldn’t have been more fitting. Behind every confident reader is a dedicated Reading Doctor, and behind every Reading Doctor is a network of passionate educators, partners, and champions of literacy.
A Day to Remember
From the moment the day began, the energy in the room was electric. After coffee and hugs (lots of them!), our founder Deborah Salsbury welcomed the room with heartfelt words about the mission that brought us all together: helping children learn to read in a way that makes them feel confident, seen and celebrated.
Throughout the day, we were treated to an exciting line-up of guest speakers:
Tim Morris delivered a powerful session on owning your territory, encouraging Reading Doctors to promote the brand at local level.
James Sedgewick from the British Franchise Association reminded us of the ethical foundations our network is built on.
Mr Mc (Dan McFarland), a teacher celebrity, lit up the room with his Book Talk session, combining humour and heartfelt stories that align with our mission.
Jess Monro, aka The Little Business Fairy, offered golden Instagram tips to help us shout about our work with pride. She also captured the magic of the day for our social channels.
Richard Cowell, Vice President of The Tutors’ Association & Founder of Tutors Who Thrive reminded us why community and shared values matter more than ever.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get better… Adam from Drumba got us moving, laughing, and drumming our way into the afternoon with an unforgettable air-drumming session. Who knew rhythm could be such a powerful reminder of connection?
Full-Circle Moments
One of the most moving moments of the day? Watching Becky - The Reading Doctor Stanford meet Mr Mc, the very educator whose YouTube videos helped her own son learn to read during lockdown. The full-circle magic of that encounter was a reminder of why we do what we do: because the right support can truly change lives.
Shared Stories, Shared Purpose
The day was peppered with photo moments, resource sharing, and deep, meaningful conversations. We reflected on our journeys with our “My Reading Doctor Story” booklets and captured our hopes, dreams and legacies for the years ahead.
And as always, our values were front and centre, kindness, purpose, progress, and connection.
Huge Thanks
We’re incredibly grateful to our Platinum Sponsor, Pencil Spaces, for supporting the festival and believing in our mission. Thanks also to our Gold Sponsors, Morton Michel, for supporting our mission.
Until Next Time…
At The Reading Doctor, professional development isn’t a checkbox, it’s a celebration. A chance to learn, grow, laugh, and remember that we’re part of something truly special.
To every Reading Doctor who came, connected, danced (and drummed!) with us, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this mission.
Here’s to another year of helping every child unlock the magic of reading.Find out more about becoming a Reading Doctor and joining us at next year's Festival.
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